Implantable pressure sensors

ABSTRACT

Implantable pressure sensors and methods for making and using the same. A feature of at least some of the subject pressure sensors is that they are low-drift sensors. Additional features of representative pressure sensors include the presence of at least one strain transducer that is fabricated from a stable gauge material. The subject pressure sensors find use in a variety of applications.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation which claims priority to PCT/US 04/41430 filed Dec. 10, 2004, which in turn claimed priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/529,325 filed Dec. 11, 2003; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/615,117 filed Sep. 30, 2004; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/616,706 filed Oct. 6, 2004; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/624,427 filed Nov. 1, 2004; the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Monitoring pressures and pressure changes in a human body is often an important component of a medical or surgical diagnosis or therapy. For example, pressure changes in various body chambers, such as blood pressures in chambers of the heart, may be used for diagnosis and/or treatment of a number of conditions. One or more pressure sensors positioned in a heart chamber, for example, may allow a physician to monitor the functional ability of the heart to pump blood, such as in a patient suffering from congestive heart failure. Blood pressure monitoring in the heart may also be used to automatically activate or adjust a pacemaker, such as a rate-responsive or pressure-responsive pace maker. In some cases, one or more pressure sensors may be implanted in a heart to sense chamber pressures over an extended time period and adjust pacemaker timing or the like. Both rate-responsive pacemakers and techniques for measuring intracardiac pressures are known in the art.

Other bodily pressures and pressure changes may also be used in medical and surgical diagnosis and treatment. Pressure changes across various valves or sphincters, within body chambers or tracts such as the digestive tract, bladder filling and voiding pressures, and the like may be sensed and measured for use in a medical or surgical context.

An ideal medical pressure sensor would be both very sensitive and very stable (i.e., having very limited drift over time), while also being relatively small. Some medical pressure sensing devices, for example, should be small enough to be conveniently implanted at a desired site in a patient or to be carried on a catheter.

Advances in micromachined sensor technology have been made in order to develop small pressure sensing devices. Micromachined sensors typically measure an environmental variable, such as a pressure or acceleration, by detecting the strain induced on a sensor element, i.e., transducer. The sensor converts the strain into an electrical signal by measuring the resistance of the strained element, such as is done in piezoresistive-based sensors, or the change in vibrational frequency of that element, such as is done in resonance-based sensors. Specifically, pressure sensors detect the strain in a diaphragm that is distended in response to a pressure change, while accelerometers measure the strain caused by the displacement of a proof mass under an inertial load.

Piezoresistive pressure sensors make up the bulk of commercially available microfabricated pressure sensors. In general, this type of sensor uses two piezoresistors positioned on a circular or rectangular diaphragm to form a 90 degree angle. FIGS. 1 and 1B, for example, show a prior art microfabricated pressure sensor 10 having a circular diaphragm 12 with a radially oriented piezoresistor 16 and a circumferentially oriented piezoresistor 14. The two resistors 14, 16 are connected at one point to an output 17 of the sensor 10. The other two ends of the serially-connected resistors 14, 16 are connected to either voltage 13 or ground 15. When the trans-membrane pressure of such a diaphragm increases, the resistance of one of the resistors increases, and the other decreases. The effectiveness of the chip is adversely effected, however, by the fact that one resistance also increases and the other decreases when force is applied to the chip as a whole, such as bending, stretching and twisting forces. The sensitivity to such forces on the chip is inversely related to chip dimensions, so that the smaller the chip, the more sensitive it is to forces exerted on the chip. Such chips may be referred to as “single-point” sensors, in that they sense forces at essentially one location on a diaphragm.

In an improvement over single-point sensors, some currently available sensors include two resistors located along the perimeter of a diaphragm at separate locations, as shown in FIG. 1A. In this pressure sensor 10 a, the radially oriented piezoresistor 16 a and the circumferentially oriented piezoresistor 14 a are distanced approximately ninety degrees apart along the perimeter of the diaphragm 12 a. Thus, sensor 10 a may have reduced sensitivity to stretching and bending, since the piezoresistors 14 a and 16 a cancel each other out somewhat. However, such a sensor 10 a is equally sensitive to twisting forces as the sensor 10 shown in FIG. 1, because twisting is sensed by the piezoresistors 14 a, 16 a as pressure against the diaphragm 12 a.

Over extended periods of use, currently available pressure sensors experience drift. Drift is the distorting changes to base line readings which occurs as a result of a number of ambient factors. Drift normally occurs over time in pressure sensors. The variable quality of baseline sensor data drift in the sense of output interferes with obtaining data which accurately reflects changes in physiologic parameters. Drift obscures accurate data both by producing false positive and false negative readings. By example, false negative results can occur when drift of base-line data readings distorts or fully obscures physiologic parameter changes in signal which would otherwise be indicative of a disease state. This occurs when the drift brings a “0” base line level into a negative range. Conversely, when sensor drift is in a positive range it can be mistaken for a change in biological parameters, running the risk of a false indication of a disease state. Unfortunately, drift is typically unpredictable, and so can not be simply factored out of calculations in order to compensate for these data distortion.

It is a requirement for implantable pressure sensors that they have very stable output. This quality is necessary to assure that the data readings from the sensors are a true reflection of the pressure that they are designed to measure. The drift characteristic of many pressure sensors can be problematic with implanted sensors, where recalibration opportunities are limited or impractical. Because of the limited ability to recalibrate implanted sensors, the failure of currently available pressures sensors to remain stable (i.e., free of drift) in base-line data output has made them unsuitable for long term implantable use.

It would be an important advancement in the art if a micromachined pressure sensor were available that was resistant to drift in order to make the many advantages of micromachined sensors available for long term implantation applications by researchers and clinicians.

Relevant Literature. Methods for pressure-modulated rate-responsive cardiac pacing are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,580,946. Techniques for monitoring intra-cardiac pressures are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,810,735, 5,626,623, 5,535,752, 5,368,040, 5,282,839, 5,226,413, 5,158,078, 5,145,170 and 4,003,379.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Implantable pressure sensors and methods for making and using the same are provided. A feature of embodiments of the subject pressure sensors is that they are low-drift sensors. The subject sensors find use in a variety of applications.

Embodiments of the subject invention provide physiological pressure sensor structures that include: a substrate; a compliant member mounted on the substrate in a manner such that the compliant member has first and second opposing exposed surfaces; and at least one strain transducer associated with a surface of the compliant member. In these embodiments, the pressure sensor structure is a low-drift pressure sensor structure.

In certain embodiments, the substrate includes an opening and the compliant member spans the opening. In certain embodiments, the structure includes at least first and second strain transducers mounted on a surface of the compliant member. In certain embodiments, the first and second strain transducers are piezoresistors. In certain embodiments, the piezoresistors are fabricated from a high gauge material, e.g., a material comprises platinum (e.g., pure platinum, a platinum alloy, etc). In certain embodiments, compliant member comprises single crystal silicon.

In certain embodiments, the first and second strain transducers are positioned on a surface of the compliant member so that their outputs respond oppositely to deflection of the compliant member resulting from differential pressure across the compliant member but respond similarly to deformation of said substrate. In certain embodiments, the first and second strain transducers are positioned on the same surface of the compliant member. In certain embodiments, the first and second strain transducers are positioned symmetrically on the same surface on opposite sides of a line of symmetry. In certain embodiments, the structures further include a boss on a surface of the compliant member. In certain embodiments, the first and second strain transducers are positioned adjacent to each other on a surface of the compliant member on one side of a line of symmetry.

In certain embodiments, the first and second strain transducers are positioned on opposing surfaces of the compliant member. In certain embodiments, the first and second strain transducers are directly opposed to each other.

In certain embodiments, the compliant member is positioned at least proximal to the structure's neutral plane.

In certain embodiments, at least one strain transducer is separated from the surface of said compliant member by a spacer. In certain of these embodiments, the spacer separates said sensor from said compliant member by a distance ranging from about from about 1 to about 1,000 μm.

Also provided are systems that include the subject sensor structures, where the systems are characterized by the presence of at least one conductive member, e.g., a wire, operatively coupled to the transducer elements of the sensor structure. In certain embodiments, the system includes a plurality of the physiological pressure sensors operatively coupled to said conductive member. In certain embodiments, the system further includes an energy source coupled to said conductive member. In certain embodiments, the system further includes a processing element for determining pressure changes in a volume in response to output signals from said transducer. In certain embodiments, the system is configured to be implanted into a patient. In certain embodiments, the system is configured so that the sensor is positioned on a heart wall upon implantation into a patient.

Also provided are methods for fabricating a pressure-sensor structure of the subject invention. In certain embodiments, the methods include:

-   -   positioning a layer of a compliant material on a surface of a         first substrate;     -   producing at least one strain sensor on a first surface of said         compliant material opposite said substrate;     -   producing a second substrate layer on said first surface of said         compliant member, such that said strain sensor layer is         interposed between said compliant member layer and second         substrate layer, wherein at least a portion of said compliant         member is exposed; and     -   producing a passageway in said substrate in a manner to expose a         second surface of said compliant member opposite said first         surface.

In certain embodiments, the method further includes producing a boss member on said first surface of said compliant layer. In certain embodiments, the first and second substrates are configured such that the compliant member is positioned at least proximal to said structure's neutral plane. In certain embodiments, the method is a method of producing a low drift physiological pressure sensor. In certain embodiments, the method further includes coupling the structure to a conductive member.

Also provided are methods for detecting a pressure change in a volume. The subject methods include contacting a pressure sensor structure according to the present invention with the volume; obtaining an output signal from the pressure sensor; and using the output signal to detect a pressure change in the volume.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top-view diagram of a prior art pressure sensor;

FIG. 1A is a top-view diagram of an alternative prior art pressure sensor

FIG. 1B is a side-view diagram of a prior art pressure sensor;

FIGS. 2A, 2B & 2C are side-view diagrams of various embodiments of improved piezoresistive pressure sensors according to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2D is a top-view diagram of a diaphragm of a sensor structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2E is a top-view diagram of a sensor structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 provides a plan view of a device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 provides a view of an embodiment of the pressure sensor device with four piezoresistors;

FIG. 5 provides an alternate embodiment with a different arrangement design for the four piezoresistor elements;

FIG. 6 provides a circuit diagram of a representative embodiment of the present invention with electrically connected piezoresistors;

FIG. 7 provides a variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6;

FIGS. 8A & 8B provide a view where the piezoresistors are placed on top of a boss layer;

FIGS. 9A, B & C provide a view where the piezoresistors are placed both under and on top of a boss layer;

FIG. 10 provides a circuit diagram of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 provides a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 provides a circuit diagram of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 provides a cross sectional view of one embodiment of the inventive pressure sensor device;

FIGS. 14A & B provide cross sectional and planar views of a prior art pressure sensor;

FIGS. 15A & B provide cross sectional and planar views of a prior art pressure sensor experiencing a bending stress;

FIGS. 16A & B provide cross sectional and planar views of a prior art pressure sensor experiencing an opposite bending stress;

FIGS. 17A & B provide cross sectional and planar views of the inventive sensor device with the sensor element located at or near the neutral plane of the device;

FIGS. 18A & B provide cross sectional and planar views of the device in FIGS. 17A & B experiencing a bending stress in a direction away from sensor diaphragm;

FIGS. 19A & B provide planar and cross sectional views of the inventive device shown in FIGS. 17A & B with a stress of the opposite magnitude applied to the chip from that in FIGS. 18A & B;

FIGS. 20A & B provide cross sectional and planar views of yet another representative embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 21A & B provide cross sectional and planar views of yet another representative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 provides a cross sectional view of a prior art pressure sensing device;

FIG. 23 provides a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 provides a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 25 provides a view of an inventive in-plane and mechanical amplification;

FIG. 26 provides a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a circuit diagram of a basic pressure sensing circuit which may be used in various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a circuit diagram of a six-wire circuit which may be used in various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a circuit diagram of a compensating pressure sensing circuit which may be used in various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a circuit diagram of an alternative embodiment of a compensating pressure sensing circuit which may be used in various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 30A is a circuit diagram of a VCDCO circuit which may be used in various embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 30B & C provide circuit diagrams of alternative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 30D provides a diagram showing an alternate circuitry component;

FIGS. 31A to 31U are diagrams showing a method for microfabricating a medical pressure sensor according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 32A to 32G are diagrams showing a method for microfabricating a pressure sensor according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 33 provides a flow diagram for a method of fabricating a sensor structure having a sensor element(s) positioned at least proximal to the neutral plane of the sensor structure;

FIGS. 34A to 34H are diagrams showing a method for microfabricating a pressure sensor according to one embodiment of the invention; and

FIGS. 35A to F are diagrams showing a method for microfabricating a pressure sensor according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Low-drift implantable pressure sensors and systems including the same, as well as methods of making and using the same, are provided. The subject sensors are characterized by having at least a substrate, a compliant member mounted on the substrate in a manner such that the compliant has first and second exposed surfaces, and at least one strain transducer associated with a surface of the compliant member. A feature of the subject devices is that they exhibit low-drift. The subject devices and methods find use in a variety of different applications.

Before the present invention is further described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges and are also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the invention.

Methods recited herein may be carried out in any order of the recited events which is logically possible, as well as the recited order of events.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described.

All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited.

It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely,” “only” and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements, or use of a “negative” limitation.

The publications discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates which may need to be independently confirmed.

As summarized above, the subject invention provides implantable pressure sensors, as well as methods for their preparation and use. In further describing the subject invention, the subject sensors and their preparation are described first in greater detail, followed by a review of representative methods in which they find use. Also provided is a review of the kits and systems of the subject invention.

Implantable Pressure Sensors

As summarized above, the present invention provides implantable pressure sensors. The implantable pressure sensors are sensors that may be positioned in or on a body and function without significant, if any, deterioration for extended periods of time. As such, once implanted, the subject sensors do not deteriorate in terms of function for a period of at least about 2 or more days, such as at least about 1 week, at least about 4 weeks, at least about 6 months, at least about 1 year or longer, e.g., at least about 5 years or longer.

In certain embodiments, the subject sensors do not functionally deteriorate because they exhibit low drift. As such, a feature of many embodiments of the subject invention is that that the sensor structures exhibit low drift, i.e., they are low-drift pressure sensors. Sensors of these embodiments have relatively high sensitivity and stability (i.e., low drift). In one embodiment, for example, the sensor device may measure pressure changes in a volume, (i.e., an ambient), with a drift of no more that about 1.0 mmHg per year. For the purposes of this application, “a volume” means any space, chamber, cavity, substance, tissue, area or the like. In some instances a volume will comprise a chamber of a human body, such as a heart chamber, but this is only one example of a volume, and the invention is in no way limited by this example. For example, in various embodiments a volume may be a space, cavity or the like that is not in a human body, and sensors of the present invention may be used in a wide variety of non-medical contexts. Therefore, although the following discussion generally focuses on sensing pressure changes in human heart chambers, the invention is in no way limited to such an application.

In certain embodiments, the subject pressure sensors exhibit little or no drift over a period of from about 1–40 years, such as from about 5–35 years, and including from about 5–30 years. The drift diminution achieved by these embodiments is about 10–400%, most preferably 40–350%, and most preferably 50–300%, as compared to the prior art structure shown in FIGS. 1 to 1B.

Drift rates of a given sensor structure may be determined by monitoring the output of the sensor vs. time when the device is employed in a typical use environment, or model thereof. In such tests, drift may be assessed by maintaining pressure at a stable value, e.g., constant value, and monitoring the output of the sensor over time in order to ascertain any changes in the output, which are then employed to determine the drift of the device.

The drift test that is employed may be one that accelerates the drift process beyond that which occurs naturally in an in situ environment, e.g., so as to provide for the acquisition of useful data without requiring waiting for the full lifetime of a sensor to pass. There are various methods that can be employed to accelerate the external, challenging factors which result in pressure sensor drift. The simplest way to accelerate drift is to elevate the temperature to which the sensor is subject. It is conventional in the art that, for every ten degree centigrade increase in temperature beyond the intended temperature of sensor use, the observed drift will increase by a factor of two. For example, if drift is monitored at a temperature of 50° C. higher than the intended operating temperature, a 32-fold acceleration in the drift is observed. As a result, in this accelerated drift environment, for every day of observation, the device would experience the same amount of drift that would normally be experience in 32 days at the normal operating temperature. As such, drift assays that may be employed include increased temperature drift assays.

When the specific cause of the drift can be identified, drift acceleration tests can be tailored to evaluate the sensor response due to that specific cause. By example, if the fundamental source of drift is due to a mismatch in the thermal expansion coefficient of the different materials that make up the sensor, drift can be accelerated by changing the temperature. This would also be the case where drift was due to material differences between the sensor and the packaging in which the sensor resides. Specifically, drift due to mismatched thermal expansion coefficients can be evaluated by cycling the temperature between −5° C. and 95° C., e.g., for about 5, 10 or 50 or more cycles. This evaluation process, when accomplished, while monitoring the output, will give an indication of the stability of the sensor and its immunity to drift from thermal expansion mismatch sources.

A fundamental cause of a drift is mechanical stress. Mechanical stress is due to such factors as the bending of the package on which the sensor is placed. To evaluate an accelerated test of drift, a fixture is designed that applies a known mechanical deformation to the sensor. The output is then monitored to evaluate the accelerated drift rate. By example, a three-point bending test fixture can be usefully employed in this manner. Similarly, if the fundamental cause the drift is chemical in nature, the drift can be accelerated by exposing the sensor to a chemical environment that is harsher than the normal operating environment. By example, if the major source of drift is caused by corrosion due to saline, one can place a sensor in a concentrated saline solution and monitor the output. Where multiple factors effecting drift are major players in the overall drift rate, it will in some cases be useful to combine several methods of testing, such as those described above. Also, adding additional challenging factors can be used to further accelerate the effect of a single faction. By example, the sensor to be tested can be challenged by being placed in a saline environment, and then adding an additional challenging factor by elevating the temperature. This approach would both accelerate saline induce corrosion of the sensor, as well as accelerate material fatigue.

Whatever drift test is employed, where in certain embodiments a drift test as described above is employed, as sensors according to the subject invention are low-drift, they will exhibit drift, if at all, of from about 1 mm Hg/day to about 1 mm Hg/20 years, such as from about 1 mm Hg/week to about 1 mm Hg/10 years, including from about 1 mm Hg/month to about 1 mm Hg/7 years, e.g., from about 1 mm Hg/year to about 1 mm Hg/5 years. This low drift characteristic of the subject sensors is in sharp contrast to the drift observed in many current prior art pressure sensors, where the observed drift may be 7 mmHg/hr.

In certain embodiments, the implantable sensors may be characterized as physiologic. The phrase “physiologic” as employed herein denotes that the sensors are configured (e.g., shaped, dimensioned etc.) so that they can be positioned in or on a body of a living organism, such as a mammal, e.g., a human. In representative embodiments, sensor structures of the present invention are small enough to be conveniently implantable in a human body (and/or coupled with a catheter). In certain embodiments, the devices are configured as a rectangular chip having a length along an edge of the chip of no more than about 500 μm and a total thickness of no more than about 100 μm.

The sensors of the subject invention generally include a substantially planar substrate and a compliant member mounted on a surface thereof, i.e., positioned or disposed on a surface thereof. The compliant member is generally a planar structure mounted on the substrate in a manner such that opposing planar surfaces of the compliant member are exposed, i.e., not touching the substrate surface on which the compliant member is mounted. As such, at least a portion of the top and bottom planar surfaces of the compliant member are not touching the substrate, even though the compliant member is mounted on the substrate. In addition, the subject sensor structures typically include at least one strain transducer associated with at least one surface of the compliant member, typically an exposed surface of the compliant member. By “associated with” is meant that the transducer is mounted on the compliant member surface, either directly or through a spacer element. As further elaborated below, the number of transducers that may be present on the compliant member may vary from one to a multitude thereof. Additional features of different embodiments of the subject sensors are further reviewed below.

In some embodiments, the device measures pressure changes in a volume with a sensitivity of about +/−1 mmHg on a scale of about 500–1000 mmHg.

In certain embodiments, the subject sensors structures have one or more of the following features, including two or more, three or more, four or more, as well as all of the following features, to the extent such features are compatible in a single sensor structure. In certain embodiments, a feature of the sensor structures is that the configuration of the sensor transducers is such as to provide for the low-drift characteristic. In certain embodiments, a feature of the sensor structures is that the materials employed for the different components of the structure are specifically chosen to provide for the low-drift characteristic. In certain embodiments, a feature of the sensor structure is that the compliant member of the structure is positioned at least proximal to the neutral plane of the structure so as to provide for the low drift characteristic. In certain embodiments, a feature of the sensor structure is that the sensor element(s) (i.e., transducer) is separated from the compliant member surface with which it is associated by a spacer element, e.g., to enhance a signal to noise ratio. Each of the above features is now described in greater detail below.

Low-Drift Sensor Component Configurations

As summarized above, in certain embodiments the subject sensor structures have a component configuration that imparts a low-drift characteristic to the sensor structure. In these embodiments, the sensor structures typically include a substrate, also referred to herein as a chip or support structure. The substrate is generally a rigid structure, where in representative embodiments, the structure has dimensions to provide for sensor structures of a size described above. In many embodiments, the substrate includes a passage, which may be incomplete (such as a well configuration) or complete (such as a hole configuration).

Mounted on the substrate is a compliant member, where the term “compliant member” is used interchangeably with membrane and diaphragm. The compliant member is a flexible structure that deforms in response to pressure differentials applied across the compliant member. As such, the compliant member is an elastic material. In certain embodiments, the compliant member has a thickness ranging from about 0.1 to about 100 micrometers, such as from about 0.5 to about 10 micrometers, including from about 1 to about 5 micrometers. In certain embodiments, the compliant member spans the passage of the substrate, so as to produce a structure in which a pressure differential across the compliant member may be produced.

Associated with at least one surface of the compliant member is at least one strain transducer, where the phrase “strain transducer” means any device that is capable of transforming mechanical energy produced by deformation of the compliant member, e.g., in response to a pressure differential imposed across the compliant member, into electrical energy. The phrase “strain transducer” is used interchangeably with the phrase sensor element, and may be any kind of strain transducer, including piezoresistor, vibrational, and the like, as is known in the art.

The transducers may be positioned at any of a number of suitable locations on the diaphragm, and any suitable number, shape and/or size of transducers may be used.

In certain embodiments, the sensor structures include at least a first and second strain transducer. A feature of these representative embodiments is that the first and second strain transducers, e.g., piezoresistors, are positioned in the device so as to respond equally to forces, moments and torques applied to the substrate and respond equally and oppositely to changes in pressure in the volume, to allow for measurement of the pressure changes with limited interference from the forces, moments and torques applied to the substrate. For example, the forces, moments and torques may generally include bending, twisting and/or stretching.

In these representative embodiments, the transducers on the sensor structure respond differently to deflection of the diaphragm caused by pressure changes in the volume than they do to forces, moments and torques applied to the substrate. These forces, moments and torques, which may be referred to as “artifact,” reduce the accuracy of a sensor device, especially over time. Examples of artifact forces which may affect performance of sensor structure include twisting, stretching, bending, compression, strain and the like. Transducers, e.g., piezoresistors, of “multiple-point” sensors of the present invention, in contrast to those of conventional single-points sensors, are configured to respond relatively equally to pressure changes in a volume while responding equally and oppositely to forces, torques and moments applied to the substrate. By “equally,” it is meant at least relatively or approximately equally. When the piezoresistors are arranged in series, this response causes pressure changes in the volume to be sensed cumulatively by pairs of piezoresistors while forces, moments and torques are canceled out. By reducing the sensitivity of the sensor to mechanical forces and moments applied to the sensor chip, long term drift is drastically reduced.

As such, the transducers of these embodiments are associated with the surface of the compliant member so that their outputs response oppositely to deflection of the compliant member resulting from differential pressure across the compliant member, but respond similarly to deformation of the substrate.

In one aspect of this embodiment of the present invention, a sensor structure includes: a substrate; at least one compliant member, i.e., diaphragm or membrane, mounted on the substrate and having a first surface exposed to a volume and a second opposite surface exposed to an enclosed space; a first strain transducer, e.g., piezoresistor, disposed on the first surface; and at least a second strain transducer, e.g., piezoresistor, disposed on the second surface directly opposite the first piezoresistor and coupled with the first piezoresistor in series.

For purposes of further description only, the subject invention will be described in terms of embodiments where the strain transducers are piezoresistors. However, it should be noted that other types of strain transducers are contemplated, including those mentioned above, and such alternative transducers are in no way excluded from the scope of the invention simply by further describing the invention herein in terms of piezoresistive transducer embodiments.

In certain embodiments, the first and second piezoresistors may be disposed near a center of the compliant member, i.e., diaphragm or membrane. In some embodiments, the diaphragm may further include a thicker region, e.g., the form of a boss or analogous structure, at the center on at least one of the first and second surfaces. This region may serve as a stress-focusing member. In these embodiments, the first and second piezoresistors may be disposed adjacent the thicker region. Optionally, the thicker region may comprise a circular region of increased thickness on both the first second surfaces.

Some embodiments of the sensor device may further include a third piezoresistor positioned near an edge of the compliant member, e.g., diaphragm on the first surface of the diaphragm and at least a fourth piezoresistor positioned near the edge of the diaphragm on the second surface, directly opposite the third piezoresistor and coupled with the third piezoresistor in series. The third and fourth piezoresistors respond equally to forces, moments and torques applied to the substrate and respond equally and oppositely to changes in pressure in the volume, to allow for measurement of the pressure changes with limited interference from the forces, moments and torques applied to the substrate. In some embodiments, these first, second, third and fourth resistors comprise a Wheatstone Bridge. The sensor device may optionally further include a plurality of additional piezoresistors disposed along the diaphragm such that each piezoresistor disposed near the edge of the diaphragm is matched with a piezoresistor disposed adjacent the thicker region of the diaphragm. In some cases, the additional piezoresistors are disposed around the entire circumference of the edge of the diaphragm and around the entire circumference of the thicker region on at least one surface of the diaphragm.

In another aspect of the invention, a sensor structure includes: a substrate; at least one diaphragm mounted on the substrate and having a first surface exposed to a volume and a second opposite surface exposed to an enclosed space; a first piezoresistor disposed near an edge of the diaphragm on the first surface; and at least a second piezoresistor disposed near a center of the diaphragm on the first surface, in radial alignment with and coupled in series with the first piezoresistor. Again, the first and second piezoresistors respond equally to forces, moments and torques applied to the substrate and respond equally and oppositely to changes in pressure in the volume, to allow for measurement of the pressure changes with limited interference from the forces, moments and torques applied to the substrate.

Some embodiments may further include a third piezoresistor positioned near the edge of the diaphragm on the second surface of the diaphragm, directly opposite the first piezoresistor, and at least a fourth piezoresistor positioned near the center of the diaphragm on the second surface, directly opposite the second piezoresistor and coupled with the third piezoresistor in series. The third and fourth piezoresistors respond equally to forces, moments and torques applied to the substrate and respond equally and oppositely to changes in pressure in the volume, to allow for measurement of the pressure changes with limited interference from the forces, moments and torques applied to the substrate. Sensors according to this aspect of the invention may have any of the characteristics described above.

In one embodiment, a first plurality of piezoresistors is disposed circumferentially around at least a part of the edge of the diaphragm on the first surface, and a second plurality of the piezoresistors is disposed circumferentially around at least part of the first surface of the diaphragm closer to its center than the first plurality. In this embodiment, each piezoresistor of the first plurality is electrically coupled in series with one piezoresistor from the second plurality.

In certain embodiments, a first elongated piezoresistor is disposed circumferentially around at least part of the edge of the diaphragm on the first surface, and a second elongated piezoresistor is disposed circumferentially around least part of the diaphragm on the first surface, closer to the center than the first piezoresistor and coupled in series with the first piezoresistor. These and other embodiments may further include piezoresistors disposed on the second surface of the diaphragm as well as the first, and such further piezoresistors may optionally be coupled with the first and second piezoresistors in parallel.

Representative configurations of these embodiments are now further described in terms of the figures. FIGS. 2A to 2C are schematic side views of implantable medical pressure sensors according to various embodiments of the present invention. As with all figures in this application, these drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, but are provided for explanatory purposes only. With reference to FIG. 2A, a sensor device 20 includes a substrate 29, a diaphragm 22 mounted on substrate 29, a first piezoresistor 24 located on a first surface 23 of diaphragm 22, and a second piezoresistor 26 located on a second surface 25 of diaphragm 22 directly below first piezoresistor 24. First surface 23 is exposed to a volume A, while second surface 25 is exposed to an enclosed space 21. The large, hollow arrows in FIG. 2A demonstrate stretching and bending forces which may be placed on the substrate 29. The positions of first piezoresistor 24 and second piezoresistor 26 generally allow them to respond equally to such bending and stretching, as well as other forces, moments and torques applied to the substrate, while responding equally and oppositely to changes in pressure in the volume, to allow for measurement of the pressure changes with limited interference from the forces, moments and torques applied to the substrate.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, another embodiment of a sensor device 30 includes a substrate 39, a diaphragm 32 mounted on substrate 39, a first piezoresistor 36 located near the edge of diaphragm 32 and a second piezoresistor 34 located near the center of diaphragm 32. Such piezoresistors may be either on a second surface 33, exposed to an enclosed space 31 (as shown in the figure), or on a first surface 37 of diaphragm 32, exposed to a volume A. Some embodiments may also include a central “boss” or thicker region 35. Thicker region 35 may extend from first surface 37 (as in FIG. 2B), second surface 43, or both (as in FIG. 2C). Generally, thicker region 35 enhances the ability of first and second piezoresistors to respond equally to forces, moments and torques applied to the substrate and respond equally and oppositely to changes in pressure in the volume, to allow for measurement of the pressure changes with limited interference from the forces, moments and torques applied to the substrate.

With reference now to FIG. 2C, another embodiment of a sensor device 40 includes a substrate 49, a diaphragm 42, and four piezoresistors disposed on diaphragm 42: a first piezoresistor 44 a located on a first surface 47 near the center of diaphragm 42; a second piezoresistor 44 b on a second surface 43 near the center of diaphragm 42; a third piezoresistor 46 a on first surface 47 near the edge of diaphragm 42; and a fourth piezoresistor 46 b on second surface 43 near the edge of the diaphragm 46 b. In such embodiments, the fours piezoresistors 44 a, 44 b, 46 a, 46 b may comprise a full Wheatstone bridge.

Referring now to FIG. 2D, in one embodiment a diaphragm 57 of a sensor device includes a first plurality of piezoresistors 56, a second plurality of piezoresistors 54, a central thicker region 55, an output 52, a ground 51 and a voltage 53. The first plurality 56 is disposed circumferentially around the edge of diaphragm 57, extending completely or almost completely around diaphragm 57 (as designated by dotted lines). The second plurality 54 similarly extends circumferentially around diaphragm 57, but is disposed closer to the center, adjacent thicker region 55. In this embodiment, each piezoresistor of the first plurality 56 is coupled in series with the piezoresistor of the second plurality 54. In some embodiments, third and fourth pluralities of piezoresistors may be disposed on the surface of diaphragm 57 opposite the surface shown, and the first and second pluralities may be coupled with the third and fourth pluralities in parallel.

In an alternative embodiment, and with reference now to FIG. 2E, a diaphragm 67 of a sensor device may include a first elongated piezoresistor 66 disposed near the diaphragm edge and a second elongated piezoresistor 64 disposed closer to the diaphragm center, adjacent a thicker region 65. The diaphragm 67 may further include an output 62, a ground 61 and a voltage 63. Again, additional elongated piezoresistors may be disposed on an opposite side of diaphragm 67 and may be coupled with the first and second piezoresistors 64, 66 in parallel. From the examples shown in FIGS. 2A to 2E, it should be apparent that any number and configuration of piezoresistors may be used in a given embodiment of a sensor device without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Sensor structures of the present invention may have any suitable number of diaphragms and any suitable number of piezoresistors disposed on each diaphragm. For example, in some embodiments, piezoresistors may be disposed along the entire outer circumference, inner circumference, or both, of a diaphragm. Such circumferential piezoresistors may be on a first surface, a second surface, or both. Typically, each piezoresistor disposed on a diaphragm will correspond with another piezoresistor, either radially positioned on the same surface or disposed directly opposite the piezoresistor on the opposite surface of the diaphragm. Diaphragm(s) on a sensor device, furthermore, may have any suitable shape, size, thickness or the like. Although circular diaphragms are shown, for example, any other size may be used.

As mentioned above, some embodiments (FIGS. 2B and 2C, for example) include a thicker region at the center of the diaphragm. Such a region may include increased thickness on a first surface of the diaphragm, as shown in FIG. 2B, increased thickness on a second surface, or increased thickness on both, as shown in FIG. 2C. Such a thick region or boss acts to increase the stiffness of the diaphragm without increasing its outer dimensions. In some embodiments, also as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, one or more piezoresistors may be positioned near such a thickened region.

Pressure sensors 20, 30, 40 may have any suitable size, shape and configuration and may be made of any suitable materials. In some embodiments, for example, an implantable pressure sensor device measures about 100–500 μm on an edge and less than about 100 μm thick. The substrate may be made of silicon and/or other materials which may be microfabricated. In some embodiments, the piezoresistors are made of platinum, though other materials such as polysilicon or single-crystal silicon may be used, as described in greater detail below. As indicated above, the sensor is fabricated to have a high sensitivity and stability. In one embodiment, for example, the sensor has a sensitivity of about +/−1 mmHg absolute on a 500–1000 mmHg scale and a drift of about 1 mmHg/5 years. Other sensitivities and specificities are also contemplated within the scope of the invention, however.

FIG. 3 provides a plan view of a device according to another representative embodiment of the invention. Pressure sensor chip 109 has an opening on the back side 111. Piezoresistors 113 are proved in a serpentine pattern, covering the membrane area 115, and centered on the membrane boss area 117. In this embodiment, piezoresistors 113 are provided as a single pair.

FIG. 4 shows an advantageous inventive design which goes beyond the two piezoresistors embodiment shown in FIG. 3. In FIG. 4 is shown four piezoresistors, 119, 121, 123 and 125. These piezoresistor elements are arranged in such a way that the piezoresistors closest to the boss, that is 119 and 123, will experience strain in one direction that is either compressive or tensile strain. By contrast, piezoresistors closest to the edge of the membrane, piezoresistors 121 and 125, will experience the opposite strain.

FIG. 5 provides an alternate embodiment with a different arrangement design for four piezoresistors elements. In FIG. 5, piezoresistors 127 and 129 are near the outside of the membrane, while piezoresistors 131 and 133 are closer the center of the membrane. This embodiment performs the same function as those inventive designs shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. However, the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is less sensitive to fabrication tolerances.

FIG. 6 provides a representative embodiment of the present invention wherein the piezoresistors are connected electrically. In this view, piezoresistor 135 and 137 are the piezoresistors closest to the boss, whereas piezoresistors 139 and 141 are closest to the edge of the sensor membrane. Supply voltage is applied to electrical terminals 143 and 145, while the output voltage is measured between terminals 147 and 149. When pressure is applied to the sensor membrane, the membrane will deform. This will, in turn, cause a stretching in the piezoresistors 135 and 137, increasing their resistance. Compression in piezoresistors 139 and 141 causes a decrease in their resistance.

In the Wheatstone bridge arrangement exemplified in this embodiment, the decrease in resistance causes the voltage at terminal 147 to become more positive than the voltage at terminal 149. By measuring the voltage between those two terminals, an increase in voltage is observed in the form of an electrical signal. This signal can be observed directly or processed by standard processing techniques to obtain digital data.

FIG. 7 provides a variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6. Pressure sensor membrane 151 is supported on substrate 153. Boss layer 155 is patterned into a boss 153 in the center of the membrane 151, and additionally forms rim 157 around the edge of the membrane 151. This embodiment of the present invention is advantageous for fabrication because the alignment of cavity 159 with respect to the features on the front side, that is the boss layer 155 and piezoresistors 161, is less critical. Potential misalignment does not affect the pressure response because the size of the membrane is effectively defined by rim 157.

An additional variation on this approach is shown in FIGS. 8A & 8B. In this embodiment, membrane 163 is a supported by wafer 165. A feature of this variant is that piezoresistors 167 are placed on top of boss layer 169. FIG. 8B provides a plan view of the structure. Piezoresistor 167 is situated on top of the boss layer 169. In this case, the boss layer 169 is patterned to accommodate and define the membrane edge 171, the pressure enhancing boss 173, and also the traces for the piezoresistor 175.

By placing the piezoresistors 167 on top of the boss layer 169, a stress amplification effect is achieved, where the boss layer acts as spacer, as further described below. This effect is achieved because the strain measuring element, i.e., the piezoresistors 167, has been positioned further away from the neutral plane of the membrane, as is described in U.S. Patent Application No. 60/615,117 filed on Sep. 30, 2004, incorporated herein by reference as well as above, and described in greater detail below.

The various concepts shown in the above figures are shown coordinated in a single device in FIGS. 9A, 9B & 9C. In these views, piezoresistors 177 are situated underneath the boss layer. Additional piezoresistors 178 are provided on top of the boss layer. FIG. 9A provides a planar view of this embodiment, while FIGS. 9B and 9C provide cross sectional views. The boss layer is patterned to define the edge of membrane 179, pressure focusing boss 181, as well as a path for the top layer piezoresistor 178. The bottom layer piezoresistor 177 is deposited and patterned underneath the boss layer.

FIG. 10 provides a view of the electrical connections between the elements as show in FIGS. 9A to 9C. Piezoresistors 183 and 185 are the bottom layer piezoresistors, while piezoresistors 187 and 189 are the top layer piezoresistors. When a voltage is supplied between terminals 191 and 193, an output proportional to the pressure will be observed between terminal 195 and 197.

The advantage of the particular arrangement of FIG. 10 is demonstrated in FIG. 11. This figure is a schematic view of pressure sensor chip 199 experiencing a bending stress that causes entire chip 199 to bend. From this diagram, it can be observed that this bending stress will cause piezoresistors 201 and 203 to stretch. However, because of the electrical configuration shown in FIG. 12, all four piezoresistors 205, 206, 207, and 208, will experience the same bending stress. In this way, piezoresistors 205, 206, 207, and 208 will all increase in resistance, and there would be no net change in the voltage between terminals 209 and 210. This figure demonstrates how this particular implementation is insensitive to stress applied to chip 199.

Low-Drift Component Materials

As indicated above, in certain embodiments the various components of the sensor structures are fabricated from specific materials, as well as combinations thereof, that impart low-drift characteristics to the sensor structures.

In certain embodiments, the sensor membrane is constructed of a very stable material, which is ideally purely elastic. In this manner, change, creep, or change in strain which typically occurs over time in prior art sensors are substantially limited, ideally eliminated, in sensor membrane. The major design advancement is to assure that the pressure sensing elements, typically piezoresistors, are very stable, so that their resistance undergoes very limited or no change over time.

One embodiment of the inventive pressure sensor device is shown in FIG. 13, provided in cross section. A sensor membrane 101 is supported by a support substrate 103, where sensor membrane 101 contains a stress focusing boss 105, and pressure sensing elements 107. Pressure sensing elements 107 are typically resistors, particularly piezoresistors. The resistance of pressure sensing elements 107 is a function of the applied stress. As pressure is applied to sensor membrane 101, the membrane will deflect. The deflection of sensor membrane 101 produces stress in the sensor membrane 101, and as a result in the associated pressure sensing elements 107. The stress on pressure sensing elements 107 cause electrical resistance changes in pressure sensing elements 107, resulting in a measurable electrical signal related to the level of applied stress.

As an adjunct to the above teaching, in a representative embodiment of the present invention, both support substrate 103 and sensor membrane 101 are made of single crystal silicon. The pressure sensing elements 107 may be made of a stable gauge material, particularly a highly stable, e.g., a platinum comprising material, such as pure platinum or an alloy thereof; nickel chromium or alloys thereof; and the like. Alternatively, the pressure sensing elements 107 can be made of poly-crystalline silicon or similar materials.

In certain embodiments, the pressure sensor elements, e.g., platinum comprising piezoresistors, have a passivating layer disposed on the surface thereof. The passivating layer may range in thickness from about 50 to about 100 nm, and may be of any convenient material, e.g., silicon nitride.

Stress focusing boss 105 can be effectively constructed from a number of materials. However, preferably the materials for stress focusing boss 105 is utilized that have a low stress and a similar thermal expansion coefficient to the materials employed in sensor membrane 101. Ideally, materials for stress focusing boss 105 are selected from silicon nitride, poly-crystalline silicon, or amorphous silicon. These materials can be deposited by any number of standard semi conductor application methods discussed in more detail below.

Neutral Plane Embodiments

In certain embodiments, the compliant member, and therefore sensor elements associated with a surface thereof, of the subject devices are positioned at least proximal to, i.e., at or near, the neutral plane of the pressure sensor structure or chip. In other words, embodiments of the present invention provide a sensor design in which the membrane in the pressure sensor structure is situated in, adjacent to, through, or near the neutral plane of the structure in which the compliant member is present. Once so designed, if the total pressure sensor structure, e.g., chip, experiences bending stress, the compliant member will not be distorted by that stress. The result of the inventive design is that the sensor element within the pressure sensor does not respond to background stress, or responds only in an attenuated manner. Even partial adherence to the present inventive teaching can mitigate response to background stress at a level which substantially limits background pressure readings. If a particular inventive design calls for positioning that is not directly within the neutral plane, but none the less adjacent to or intersecting the plane, the distortion will be substantially ameliorated. The present inventive design and fabrication method thus provides a sensor with unprecedented stability.

The consideration of the neutral plane has previously been usefully applied in the engineering design of large, generally monolithic, objects such as solid beams and airplane wings. However, the invention of these particular embodiments unexpectedly and innovatively applies the basic principle of the neutral plane to the unique environment of micromachined pressure sensor chips. This represents a sharp divergence from the prior application of the neutral plane guidelines to engineering designs, as micromachined pressure sensors have the challenge of extremely small dimensions and often complex shapes, structures, and heterogeneous materials.

The inventive approach of specifically positioning a compliant member and associated sensor element within the body of a pressure sensor chip in order to provide greater stability represents a sharp deviation from present fabrication techniques. For instance, it is currently standard practice to produce sensing devices with the sensing element situated on the outside surface of the larger sensing structure. While this standard fabrication method provides simplicity of construction, it positions the sensing element at the most extreme position possible from the neutral plane. The prior microsensor designs thus are at the most exaggerated vulnerability to external forces. Thus, the teaching of the present invention results in sensor designs which are unique in the present art.

While unexpected in application to small, irregularly shaped devices as in the present invention, the basic understanding of the neutral plane in other applications has been well established. The neutral plane is sometimes described as the “neutral axis” plane. Descriptions and reviews of the neutral plane of objects, such as beams, is well known in the art. See e.g., McMahon & Graham, “The Bicycle & the Walkman,” Merion (1992). See also http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/˜struct/courseware/461/461_lectures/461_lecture38/461_lecture 38.html. As such, the concept of a structure's neutral plane is well known to those of skill in the art. The neutral plane concept is further described in priority U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/615,117 filed Sep. 30, 2004; the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.

Briefly, mechanical structures subject to bending stress have within them a theoretical plane that experiences pure bending. Other sections of this body will exhibit compression or tension in response to the bending stress. By example, typically the material above the neutral plane will experience tension if the bending stress is exerted in an upward direction. Conversely, the material below the neutral plane will typically experience compression. However, materials in that neutral plane of the body will theoretically enjoy an absence of tension or compression. In actual practice, due to the practical multidimensional nature of secondary forces, there can be some stresses in some areas of the “neutral plane”. However, these stresses are much diminished relative to the other areas of the object.

Classically, for simple homogeneous solids, the neutral plane can be calculated from methods well know to the ordinary skilled engineer for a square chip of uniform thickness and uniform material. In this case the neutral plane is at the geometric center of the object. For more complicated geometries, the neutral plane can, in some cases, be calculated from standard formulas.

While the present application uses the term “neutral plane” in the present application to denote the geometric area most appropriate for the sensor element, the term in the present context has considerably broader meaning than that provided in the prior art. For instance, as applied to complex, heterogeneous shapes, the “neutral plane” may not, in fact, be a solid plane extending through the object. In the present context, the “neutral plane” can be ovoid, convex, concave, a limited internal rectangular shape, or any other shape which is calculated for a particular solid. It may also be discontinuous, or have voids within an area otherwise appropriate for the positioning of the sensor element.

Further regarding the term, “neutral plane”, for the purposes of the present invention, this area may, in fact, be three-dimensional. Again, through modeling of a complex shape, which can include heterogeneous materials, the “neutral plane” could be spherical, conical, pyramidal, and again may be discontinuous or include voids within the areas appropriate for the position of the sensor element.

It is possible to determine a neutral plane for sensor structures of a number of arbitrary geometry by performing finite element analysis on the structure subjected to a bending load. Because of the complexity of the calculations, this step will be effectively accomplished through computer simulation. The practitioner will then be able to observe the location of a plane in which the longitudinal stress is substantially diminished, or ideally zero.

In the case of medical devices, there are often secondary stresses produce in more than a single plane. This can complicate the prior art stress calculation methods considerably, approaching the point where these multidimensional forces cannot be accurately accounted for. However, using the teaching of the present invention, these multidirectional complicating forces can be resolved into a three-dimensional zone where there is relative quiet for secondary stress forces. The present invention uses currently available computer modeling programs as above to provide for these otherwise impractical to solve calculations.

With the complete understanding of the mechanical stress dynamics on a pressure sensor device provided by the present invention, design approaches will become apparent to the ordinary skilled practitioner to maximize the stability of the device. For instance, some portions of the device can be built up with bulk materials to shift the neutral plane in a way that enhances the structure for fabrication purposes, or to provide advantageous alignment with other components in a larger device with multiple sensor. In some cases, it may still be useful to attach the sensor with flexible material to an underlying support structure in order to maintain the internally consistent neutral plan configuration of the smaller module. In other cases, in may be useful to rigidly attach the sensor to a larger bulk material to shift the plane preferentially. This optimization will in some cases lead to the identification of a neutral plane which is off-centered in the sensor body.

A particularly advantageous inventive design in the case of medical devices is a sensing module so carefully attuned by the teaching of the present invention that it can accurately provide pressure sensing without the necessity of a substantial housing. This innovative advancement provides great potential for multiplexing of sensors. The potential for such multiplexed devices represents a long felt need in medical devices, especially in the cardiac arena.

The determination of the “neutral plane” for arbitrary geometries is a considerably more complex calculation than the classic examples described above. However, using the inventive concept, a practitioner will be able to employ currently available modeling software to identify the neutral plane. In the examples below, typically micromachined structures take the form of a rectangular solid that may have perforations within its structure. Equally challenging to the classic approach to neutral plane determination, these devices are typically constructed of diverse material.

Guided by the teachings of the present invention, the neutral plane can be determined from finite element simulation using finite elements software packages such as ANAYA, Inc. or Cosmos, Structural Research and Analysis Corporation.

To find the neutral plane using finite element modeling software, one approach which can be used by the practitioner is the following:

1) construct a solid model of the pressure sensor chip,

2) apply boundary conditions to constrain certain portions of the chip and apply a load such as a force, pressure or torque to a second portion of the chip,

3) mesh the model,

4) solve the model,

5) examine the resulting plot of strain within the chip to determine the position that has minimum in-plane stress.

Typically the model is run multiple times while varying a specific design parameter with each run. In this way one can determine the effect of the design parameter on the neutral plane position.

The present invention allows for the practical design and construction of pressure sensors, even at the tight size limitations such as cardiac, ocular and neurological applications. The inventive designs are particularly applicable in testing environments with heightened pressure distortion challenges, such as with cardiac and bone sensing applications.

The present invention allows for the construction of pressure sensing devices that are from about 0.01 to 10.0 mm in size, such as about 0.1 to 5.0 mm in size, and including about 0.3 to 1.5 mm in size. Additionally, the present invention further allows the construction of pressure sensing devices of considerable thinness, that is from about 0.01 to 4 mm in depth, such as about 0.1 to 2.0 mm in depth, and including about 0.2 to 1.0 mm in depth.

In representative embodiments, in pressure sensing devices which are constructed as directed by the present invention, there will be a central cylindrical area housing the sensing membrane which is either void or contains a material dissimilar from the surrounding supporting material, such as a flexible silicone material. This central area can be from about 0.1%–10% of the overall volume of the sensor device, such as from about 0.5%–5%, and including from about 1%–3%.

FIG. 14A provides a cross-section of a micromachined pressure sensor of the prior art showing sensor chip 301, sensor diaphragm 303 and pressure sensitive elements 305 which are provide on sensor diaphragm 303. The pressure sensor elements 305 in this prior art example will typically be piezoresistors, as described above. However, the resisters can also be other pressure and/or strain measuring elements or transducers. One example of such alternative strain measuring elements in this context are vibrating members whose vibrational frequency would change with strain exerted upon them. FIG. 14B provides a planar view of the prior art pressure sensing device shown in FIG. 14A. Note that the area 307 which is the area of the sensor diaphragm which is actively engaged in sensing, is fully circular in this view. While the area provided in this graphic representation is provided as circular for the purposes of demonstration, it will be appreciated that in practice, its area could be oval, square, rectangular, or other shapes.

FIG. 15A provides a cross sectional view of the prior art device in FIGS. 14A & B experiencing a bending stress away from sensor diaphragm 303. In this case, the sensor chip 301 is now bent. As can be seen in this view, sensor elements 305 would be stretched when the sensor chip 301 experiences flexion stresses in this manner. As shown in the top view, FIG. 15B, the effect is to distort the area 307 from a circular an ovoid shape. This force acts on the sensor elements 305 in a manner which serves to distort the elements by elongation.

Conversely, in FIG. 16A an opposite bending stress from that seen in FIGS. 15A & B is applied to sensor chip, that is away from sensor diaphragm 303. As shown in the top view, FIG. 16B, the compressing force on the surface of the chip causes the area 307 to distort into an ovoid shape, in this case with an axis in the opposite direction from that of area 307 shown in FIG. 15B. The result is that sensor elements 305 are subject to a compression distortion. These views are provided in exaggerated dimensions as compared to actual devices in order to more clearly demonstrate the effect of the stress, and are diagrammatical in nature.

In both the case of a bending stress away from the sensor diaphragm 303 shown in FIGS. 15A & B and the bending stress away from the sensor diaphragm 303 shown in FIGS. 16A & B, the sensor output from the pressure sensor 301 would change due to the spanning stress, introducing background readings which could distort or fully obscure the pressure information which the device is meant to assess. This signal distortion is due to the change in the length of the sensor elements 305 caused by the bending of sensor chip 301.

FIGS. 17A & B provide a view of one embodiment of the present invention that is a sensor device with the sensor element located at or near the neutral plane of the device. FIG. 17A provides a cross section and FIG. 17B a plan view of the same device. In this embodiment of the invention, a first sensor chip 309 is provided, with a sensor membrane 311 on its upward surface. Sensor elements 313 are provided on the sensor membrane 311.

In distinction to the prior art examples shown in the prior figures, the inventive embodiment shown in FIGS. 17A & B provides an additional, physical continuation of the sensor chip 309 in the form of a second sensor chip 315. In this case, and distinct from prior art sensors, the thicknesses of first sensor chip 309 and second sensor chip 315 are chosen so that sensor membrane 311 is in or near the neutral plane of the composite chip. A similarly advantageous design can be achieved with different physical dimensions, if there are accommodating material differences in the separate elements of the design. Area 317 is the area of the sensor diaphragm which is actively engaged in sensing, and is essentially circular in this view.

FIGS. 18A & B show the device provided in FIGS. 17A & B experiencing a bending stress in a direction away from sensor diaphragm 311. As is apparent from this view, the bottom surface 319 of sensor chip 309 is experiencing compression while the top surface 321, of sensor chip 309, is experiencing tension. Yet because the sensor membrane 311 is at the neutral axis, it does not experiencing tension or compression as a result of these external forces. Therefore, sensor elements 313 do not change in length. Because, as distinct from the prior art example above, there is no change in length of sensor elements 313, there would also be no change in sensor output due to the straining stress. Note that area 317 remains circular, as contrasted with the prior art constructs shown above.

FIGS. 19A & B are planar and cross section views of the inventive device shown in FIGS. 17A & B and with a stress of the opposite magnitude applied to the chip from that in FIGS. 18A & B. Note the same principles applied to the effect on the sensor elements 313 that is that they do not suffer from distortion. The area 317 again remains circular.

FIGS. 20A & B show cross section and plan views, respectively, of an additional embodiment of the inventive sensor design. In this case, bottom sensor chip 323 is matched with a top sensor chip 325. Top sensor chip 325 is provided with a cavity 329 which is etched into top sensor chip 325. Bottom sensor chip 323 is provided with a through-hole 327 etched through sensor chip 323.

In this case, the pressure sensor measures the difference in the pressure applied to the through-hole 327, the difference between pressure in the through-hole 327 and the cavity 329. The cavity 329 can optionally be filled with ambient air or a gas at ambient pressure. In these variants on this embodiment, sensor would be categorized as a gauge pressure sensor. Alternatively, the cavity 329 can be filled with a vacuum. In that case, the pressure sensor would be categorized as an absolute pressure sensor.

FIGS. 21A & B provide a cross sectional and planar view of a third embodiment of the present invention. In this case, bottom pressure sensor chip 331 is provided with a bottom through-hole 333. Upper pressure sensor chip 335 is provided with an upper through-hole 337. In this embodiment, the inventive pressure sensor responds to the difference in pressure between the bottom through-hole 333 and the upper through-hole 337, which can be connected to different pressure sources. In this configuration, this inventive embodiment would be categorized as a differential pressure sensor.

Amplified Compliant Force Embodiments

In certain embodiments, the subject sensor structures are characterized by having a transducer element separated from a surface of the compliant member on which it is associated, i.e., mounted, by a spacer or beam element, also referred to herein as a lever. Optimizing compliant force through the use of beam elements in the pressure sensor design according to these embodiments provides, for the first time, pressure sensor devices of unprecedented small dimensions and robust character while achieving uniquely fine sensitivity levels.

The sensors of these embodiments provide an unprecedented increase in signal output for pressure sensors for a given amount of pressure. In this way, these embodiments provide sensing devices which, while constrained in size, are able to provide highly accurate pressure readings at very small changes in pressure. The force amplification achieved with devices of these embodiments increases the capacity for sensitivity of micromachined pressure sensors by about 1–1,000 times, such as about 50–500 times, and including about 150–250 times (see FIG. 25), as compared to sensitivities achieved with analogous devices in which the beam element(s) is not present. When combined with other, standard sensitivity design modifications, these sensitivities can reach even higher levels.

The present inventive devices and design methods provide the sensor design engineer a tool by which the apparent strain on the sensor membrane can be magnified or amplified. This tool allows a given membrane deflection due to a pressure difference to be dramatically amplified. With the inventive approach of employing a beam element, the strain-measuring elements will experience a larger strain without distortion. As a result, the electrical sensor signal generated by the sensor will be correspondingly increased.

Sensors of these embodiments provide for the detection of smaller and smaller differences in pressure. The present embodiments allow the detection of pressures in the range of about 0.01 to 100,000 mmHg, such as about 0.1 to 10,000 mmHg, and including about 1 to 1000 mmHg.

For a given plate bending, it is possible to calculate the position of the where the center of the curvature. It is also possible to calculate the radius of the curvature of the plate bending. From mechanical texts and from standard engineering analysis, the practitioner will be able to locate the strain at any given location within the membrane. This strain is typically equal to the distance of that point from the neutral plane of membrane divided by the radius of curvature.

The beam dimensions in the present invention can range from about 1–1,000 μm, such as from about 5–500 μm, and including from about 10–100 μm.

Additionally, in the present invention, multiple inventive beams can be used on a sensor membrane, for instance from about 1–100 beams, such as from about 3–50 beams, and including from about 4–5beams.

The sensors of these embodiments can readily be designed to be able to optimize the structure to achieve as small an arc as is practically possible in order to achieve optimal results. By applying bosses to the sensor membrane and changing the membrane dimensions to reduce to radius of curvature, one must consider that a larger strain will result

FIG. 22 provides a cross-sectional view of a segment of a membrane or plate undergoing a deflection. This diagrammatical representation is of a section of pressure-sensing membrane that is experiencing a pressure difference, causing it to bow. From the discussion above, the formula which will be employed by the practitioner in practice of the present invention will effect the prior art device of FIG. 22 in the following manner. The largest strains will be when z is the largest. However, since the strain element has to be connected to the plate, the greatest possible z occurs at one or the other surface of the plate.

In FIG. 22 it can be observed from the top surface of the membrane in the example shown is equal to the thickness divided by 2. On the bottom surface, z is equal to the negative of the thickness divided by 2. This puts a limitation on the maximum strain that the sensor element can experience for a given radius of bending.

FIG. 23 shows the effect of the inventive design which serves to displace the strain-measuring elements from the membrane as shown. The section 1201 of the pressure-sensing diaphragm is shown in this view bending about the center of radius 1202. Offset elements, (also referred to herein as spacers or beams) 1203 are provided which serve to displace strain-measuring element 1204 from the surface of the membrane.

From this depiction, one can observe that z-prime, the distance of strain-measuring element 1204 from the neutral axis 1205, is larger than the thickness divided by 2. In fact, as practiced in the present invention, z-prime can be any arbitrary value. As will be understood by the practitioner, z-prime may in some cases be limited by some practical considerations such as fabrication techniques.

FIG. 24 provides an example of an alternate embodiment of the present invention. This figures shows offset elements 1303 placed on either side of membrane 1301. In this case, because the offset is below the membrane, the z-prime has a negative value. However, this effect does not affect the engineering principle shown in this case.

In a specific embodiment of the present invention, if one were to take a pressure-sensing membrane with typical dimensions of a thickness of 1.5 μm and in the prior art, the maximum z would be half of that, or 0.75 μm. If these standoff elements were manufactured using an additional 1.5 μm, the z-prime would now be 1.5+0.75, or 2.25 μm. This engineering modification can be accomplished simply and with ease using known fabrication techniques.

Using the above inventive engineering advances, the inventive devices of these embodiments have effectively increased the sensitivity of the prior art pressure sensor design as illustrated in FIG. 22 by 3-fold. This provides a simple exemplification of the present invention. However, using the present inventive techniques, amplification values of up to 10 or more times can be easily achieved. Thus, the present invention increases sensitivity by about 1–100 times, such as about 10–80 times, and including about 20–40 times, e.g., as compared to prior art devices, such as those reviewed in FIGS. 1 to 1B.

Practical considerations limit the amplification factor using this simpler embodiment of the inventive technique to amplifications of about 10. However, as shown in FIG. 25, by extending the inventive concept further, in a more advanced, sophisticated embodiment using in-plane amplification, much larger amplification ratios of the strain are possible. In this case, 100 or several hundred fold increase is available using the present inventive approaches.

FIG. 25 a provides a planar view of pressure sensor chip 1501, with a pressure sensor membrane 1502. Amplifying structures 1503 and 1504 are deposited on the pressure sensor chip surface. FIGS. 25B and 25C provide cross-sections through this device at different locations marked by the A and A-prime and B and B-prime. As shown in FIGS. 25A, 25B and 25C, the force-amplifying structures contact the surface of the chip in some locations but do not contact it in others, that is are freestanding above the surface in those locations.

An example of an inventive force amplification structure is provided in additional detail in FIG. 26. Pad 1601 is at a location that is attached to one part of the pressure sensor membrane and pad 1602 is attached to a second part of the pressure sensor membrane. Using the method of the present invention, these locations will be chosen such that there are locations that experience a large displacement when membrane deflects due to an applied pressure.

Using the example of beam 1603, if location 1601 were to move away from location 1602 when a positive pressure was applied, beam 1603 would get pulled toward pad 1601. This movement would cause a rotation of beam 1604 whose one end is anchored to pad 1602. However, a mid-point is attached to beam 1603. That rotation would cause a tension on beam 1605 which is then attached to a fixed pad 1606. Fixed pad 1606 is attached to some portion of the chip that would not move. This stationary portion of the chip can be, by example, in the periphery of the membrane.

Beam 1604 is provided with a segment 1607. Comparing the length of segment 1607 to the length of the segment 1608, if these lengths are unequal, it will result in either magnification or a reduction in the amplitude of the relative motion of pad 1601 or pad 1602. For instance, if segment 1607 were 10 μm long and segment 608 were 100 μm long, then the end of beam 1604 would move 10 times as much as the displacement between pad 1601 and pad 1602. This inventive design provides a 10-fold multiplication in the amplitude of the motion. This improvement translates to a 10-fold increase in the strain in beam 1605 and a 10-fold increase in the electrical output of the sensor for a given amount of pressure.

As an example, this particular structure is provided with a mirrored structure. As such, pad 1606 has its mirror image in pad 1609. This inventive design is a convenient approach to fabrication. It also meets standards of good mechanical practice by providing symmetry. This inventive embodiment has the additional advantage that if, for instance, a strain measuring element 1605, was a piezoresistor, the resistance between pad 1606 and pad 1609 can be measured. By observing the change in the resistance, a measure of the strain is provide in those elements, and hence a measure of the pressure.

The above description provides one example of using the inventive lever principle to amplify the force. It will be appreciated by the ordinary skilled artisan that there are many variations on a lever. Equally, how to make levers has been provided in at a previously unavailable level of sophistication by computer methods for determining the optimum shape of levers for micromachined structures. In the prior art, such approaches have been applied to applications like accelerometers and to sort of the micromachined equivalent of a Pantograph. In the latter example, the motivation is to apply a large displacement and cause a very precise motion. Otherwise, the device is employing a force generator that has only a very small displacement which must be amplified.

Additional Features

In some embodiments, the sensor structures further include at least one conductive wire disposed between two layers of the substrate and coupled with the at least two transducers, e.g., piezoresistors, for transmitting sensed data from the sensor structure. For example, the conductive wire may be made of gold, platinum or the like. The layers of substrate may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials, such as a polyamide, a silicone and/or the like. In some embodiments, the at least one wire is operatively coupled with a multiplexed catheter via a conductive liquid or gel. Such multiplexed catheters are described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10/764,429; 10/764,127; 10/764,125; and 10/734,490; the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference.

The sensor structure may further comprise, at least one application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) comprising an analog-to-digital converter for converting analog signals sensed by the resistors into digital signals. Alternatively, the sensor may include at least one ASIC comprising a voltage-controlled oscillator for converting analog signals sensed by the resistors into frequencies. In still other embodiments, the sensor may further include at least one ASIC comprising a voltage-controlled duty cycle oscillator for converting analog signals sensed by the resistors into duty cycles. In any of these embodiments, the ASIC may comprise a two-wire circuit, a three-wire circuit or a circuit having more or fewer wires.

One of the largest sources of stress and error on a tenth-of-a-millimeter scale pressure sensor is the gradual relaxation of stress induced by a wire bond. Therefore, some embodiments of the present invention eliminate wire bonding from the sensor, for example by using planar processes to fabricate a flexible lead in an integrated fashion. Thus, the electrical signals are brought to and from the chip via thin gold wires embedded between two flexible polyamide or silicone layers of the substrate. In a representative embodiment, these signals are then conducted to wires embedded in an associated catheter or lead via a thin layer of conductive liquid or gel. This process step introduces a variable resistance in the power, ground and signal lines.

In certain embodiments, a five-wire system as shown in FIG. 27 is employed to eliminate this variation. FIG. 27 is a representation of a simple integrated electronic device integrated alongside the inventive pressure sensor die. This configuration provides the capacity for the pressure sensor information to be transmitted back to the wire in a more robust fashion.

On the integrated circuit, shown above the Wheatstone bridge, is a current source. This current source can be of many well-known designs providing a stable amount of current into the resistor bridge. This configuration produces a voltage relative to ground at the top of the Wheatstone bridge, represented by the V_(Bridge). Specifically, the output of the top of the Wheatstone bridge goes into an amplifier relative to ground producing a voltage called V_(Bridge). In some instances, the output may be that potential. In other cases, it may be scaled by the amplifier, V_(Bridge). V_(Bridge) goes into the analog to digital converter A/D, into the full scale input of that. The analog to digital converter is a ratio-metric converter such that the input signal is ratioed to the full scale signals.

The mid-point to the bridge goes into an amplifier. The output is labeled V_(Pressure). That is then put into the signal version of the analog to digital converter. In some cases, the V_(Bridge) amplifier and the V_(Pressure) amplifier are all integrated into the AD converter. In these embodiments, four lines go directly into the converter. One of the lines is the ground which represents the bottom of the bridge. The second line is the potential at the top of the Wheatstone bridge that would be the full scale. The two inputs would be the signal or the amplified version of the signal. If a differential signal is put in, there are two inputs put in. That would be the ratio metric A to D. The purpose of this configuration is to provide a high impedance signal that can be sent back to the “can.”

A six-wire system shown in FIG. 28 may be used for a full bridge, in a similar manner. FIG. 28 provides a modified version of the above configuration. This configuration provides a system particularly appropriate for use if the pressure sensor is on a catheter, among other applications. In an embodiment where six wires go down the catheter and a Calvin connection is used to drive the current through the Wheatstone bridge, a separate line is used to monitor the potential at the top and bottom of the Wheatstone bridges.

For these six wires, the potentials are then independent of the changes in impedance of those interconnecting wires. If the electronics are integrated onto the circuit, the above approach can also be used to reduce errors.

All of the above described systems can utilize either an AC or a DC current source. Modification of the electronics to accommodate an AC system are possible and are well known in the art for doing sampling with an AC vs. a DC system. The AC systems remove DC offsets that accrue during the amplification process.

In one embodiment, the analog pressure signal is converted into either a frequency, or a duty cycle or a digital number before being transmitted over the variable resistance interface. A circuit as shown in FIG. 29 may be used in such an embodiment to convert the analog pressure signal into a single digital number that is then communicated to a computer connected to the catheter via two or three wire interface. FIG. 29 shows a system that compensates for the stretch of the wafer or the change in temperature of the chip. This compensation is accomplished by having a second resistor in parallel to the Wheatstone bridge driven by an identical current source. That goes into an A to D system producing a S parameter which represents the stress of the wafer changes the gauge and the gain of the Wheatstone bridge. This S parameter is in addition to the first version of the system described above which has just the pressure output.

Alternatively, a circuit as in FIG. 30 may be used to provide additional information by measuring the common-mode changes to the pressure-sensitive resistors caused by forces applied to the substrate, such as twisting, bending and/or stretching forces. A temperature sensor may also be added to the sensor to further correct for errors caused by temperature changes. FIG. 30 shows the resistors all connected to the one supply source and how there are two Wheatstone bridges together. The big Wheatstone bridge with the capital R's on the outside is for measuring the strain or the temperature of the overall system. The pressure sensor Wheatstone bridge is then used to measure pressure. The S output is then used to compensate the P output, which is the primary pressure indication.

In certain embodiments, these circuits are all integrated onto the same die as the pressure sensor. Alternatively, the circuits may be integrated onto a die which is operatively coupled, e.g., welded, to the pressure sensor die.

Referring now to FIG. 30A, multiple piezoresistors may broadcast data either during a predetermined interval or using a dedicated frequency. One embodiment may include, for example, a circuit including a voltage-controlled duty cycle oscillator that converts a differential pressure signal into an oscillator with a variable duty cycle, as shown in FIG. 30A. The output of such a circuit produces a series of pulses: the ratio of the “on” state to the “off” state is proportional to the absolute pressure. This series of pulses then becomes the envelope for a carrier frequency of a voltage controlled oscillator. Each of several sensors may broadcast at a different carrier frequency. An external monitor may have a number of electronic filters connected in parallel to the catheter's output line, with each filter tuned to one of the carrier frequencies. The output of each filter may, for example, comprise a series of square pulses whose duty cycle (the ratio of on time to off time) is proportional to the pressure measured by that sensor. As such, FIG. 30A shows a different type of a circuit that converts pressure into a more robust signal. Here the pressure sensor resistors are the four resistors on the left that go up and down with pressure. The two outputs of those four resistors go into analog switches that alternatively go up or down into the same set of sample electronics. Depending on the state of the sample electronics, each output goes into an integrating capacitor which is C int. When the potential of C int reaches a threshold, it fires off a logic circuit that resets the integrator and then starts it over again with the other potential driving it up and down. The result is a duty cycle oscillator where the ratio of the high vs. low voltage coming out is proportional to the varying pressure. This converts the pressure signal into a variable duty cycle oscillator.

FIGS. 30B & C provide block diagrams of the subject pressure sensors integrated with a multiplex system.

A variety of signal conversion techniques may be applied to convert the analog voltage that represents pressure into a robust signal. For example, the analog voltage may be converted into a number using an analog to digital converter, or the analog voltage may be converted to a frequency using an voltage controlled oscillator, both of which are commercially available as a component or as a cell layout for an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). Other less well know approaches include a voltage-controlled duty cycle oscillator to convert the varying pressure signal into a varying duty cycle of a stable oscillator. The circuits of FIGS. 29 and 30 may be incorporated as an ASIC and integrated with the sensor using either chip-scale or wafer-scale bonding techniques.

Some embodiments of the sensor device may further include a layer of material coupled with the substrate such that the layer is positioned between the diaphragm and the volume. For example, the layer of material may comprise a layer of silicone. In some embodiments, the diaphragm and the layer of material are separated by a space.

Methods of Fabrication

The sensor structures described herein may be fabricated using any convenient protocol. In certain embodiments, the fabrication protocol that is employed is a microfabrication or micromachining protocol, as is employed in MEMS fabrication protocols. As is known in the art, Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) is the integration of mechanical elements, sensors, actuators, and electronics on a common silicon substrate through microfabrication technology. While the electronics are fabricated using integrated circuit (IC) process sequences (e.g., CMOS, Bipolar, or BICMOS processes), the micromechanical components are fabricated using compatible “micromachining” processes that selectively etch away parts of the silicon wafer or add new structural layers to form the mechanical and electromechanical devices. Representative fabrication protocols for producing various sensor structures described above are now discussed.

FIGS. 31A to U provide a flow diagram display of a representative fabrication method for the inventive pressure sensors. In FIG. 31A, wafer 68 is coated on both its upper and lower surfaces by silicon dioxide layers 69 and 70. As shown in FIG. 31B, the next fabrication steps provide the deposit of sacrificial layer 71 on silicon dioxide layer 69. Sacrificial layer 71 is typically composed of copper or aluminum. In other embodiments, sacrificial layer 71 can be selected from a variety of other materials well known to the ordinary skilled artisan.

Sacrificial layer 71 is optionally coated with etched-up layer 72. Etched-up layer 72 may be composed of a typical etched up layering material such as chromium or titanium. In representative embodiments, etched-up layer 72 is composed of titanium tungsten.

The resulting structure is then coated with second sacrificial layer 73. Second sacrificial layer 73 may be composed of the same or a different material as the etched-up layer 72. Second sacrificial layer 73 is then coated with second etched-up layer 74. The combination of those layers, that is the sandwich structure formed of second sacrificial layer 73 and second etched-up layer 74, is patterned into two mesas 75 using standard lithographic techniques, such as lithography or wet etching.

As shown in FIG. 31C, the first sacrificial layer 71 and etched-up layer 72 are patterned photolithographically. As shown in FIG. 31D, the surface structures on the developing pressure sensor, including the various sacrificial layers and other structures, are coated with structural layer 76. Structural layer 76 may be composed of silicon dioxide, silicon nitrite, or silicon oxynitride. The material to produce structural layer 76 is typically deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Alternatively, there are a number of similar standard semiconductor techniques for depositing the material of structural layer 76 which can be employed.

As shown in FIG. 31E, structural layer 76 is a planarized layer. This planarization is preferably accomplished with chemical mechanical polishing. The planarization of structural layer 76 exposes etched upper layer 77 at the surface of mesas 75.

As shown in FIG. 31F, piezoresistor layer 78 is deposited and patterned on the top surface of structural layer 76. In certain embodiments, piezoresistor layer 78 is platinum or polycrystalline silicon. In the case of the choice of platinum for the piezoresistor layer 78, the material is patterned with a lift off technique. In case of the choice of polycrystalline silicon platinum for the piezoresistor layer 78, the material is deposited and then patterned photolithographically with either dry etch or wet etch.

As shown in FIG. 31G, the piezoresistor layer 78 is coated with a second structural layer 79. Second structural layer 79 can be selected from one of a number of different materials, such as silicon nitride, silicon oxide, or silicon oxynitride. Proceeding to FIG. 31H, second piezoresistor layer 80, such as platinum, is deposited and patterned on the surface of second structural layer 79. In FIG. 31I, third structural layer 81 is deposited and patterned on the surfaces of second structural layer 79 and second piezoresistor layer 80. Third structural layer 81 may be selected from silicon nitride, silicon dioxide or silicon oxynitride, although it can be composed of other appropriate materials.

As shown in FIG. 31J, a top silicon dioxide layer 82 is deposited over the entire exposed surface areas of second structural layer 79, second piezoresistor layer 80, and third structural layer 81. As shown in FIG. 31K, hole 83 is then made through top silicon dioxide layer 84 and the two underlying silicon dioxide or silicon nitride structural layers 85 and 86 to expose sacrificial layer 87.

As shown in FIG. 31L, sacrificial material is removed leaving cavity 88. The sacrificial material can be removed by any suitable means, such as using a wet chemical etching such as sulfuric acid, nitric acid or an electrochemical etch. As shown in FIG. 31M, hole 89 is sealed with plug 90. Plug 90 is preferably a metal, such as gold. The metal to produce plug 90 is deposited and then etched. This approach results in the metal material remaining only in the plug portion of the wafer.

As shown in FIG. 31N, simultaneously with the fabrication of plug 90, gold or other suitable metal is patterned into bond pads 91. As shown in FIG. 31O, bottom layer 92 of flexible material, such as polyimide, is deposited and lithography patterned. FIG. 31P shows the exposed surface of bond pads 91, bottom layer 92, and well as part of plug 90 coated with layer of gold 93. Layer of gold 93 is deposited and photolithographically patterned to create traces from the sensor area of the die to the bond pad 91.

As shown in FIG. 31Q, the resultant structure is coated with additional layer 94, such as polyimide. As shown in FIG. 31R, etched mask 95 is deposited and photolithographically patterned. Typically, the material for etched mask 95 is aluminum, less preferably photo resist.

As shown in FIG. 31S, the same or different etched-up material 96 is deposited on the front side of the wafer. FIG. 31T shows opening 98 made in the back side of the wafer. FIG. 31U shows the result of the next fabrication step, where the various etched-up materials, as well as aluminum and photo resist, are stripped from both side of the wafer. In this manner, the structure is revealed, yielding the final inventive pressure sensing device.

A simplified process for manufacturing the inventive low-drift pressure sensors is shown starting in FIG. 32A. The initial fabrication begins with silicon on insulator wafer 211, which is composed of silicon layer 213, a silicon dioxide layer 215, and a second silicon layer 217. Silicon on oxide wafers are commercially available, or, alternatively, can be manufactured by number of techniques well know to the skilled artisan. Fabrication of this component is typically accomplished by bonding two silicon wafers together with silicon fusion bonding, followed by grinding and polishing back one of the wafers to get the desired thickness of silicon layer 217. This starting wafer can then be coated with silicon dioxide layer 219. This fabrication step is flowed by spin coating with photo resist the chip is then exposed and patterned using standard lithographic techniques into the opposite of the desired resistor pattern, shown in features 221.

As shown in FIG. 32B, the wafer is then coated with the piezoresistor material 223, typically platinum, where the platinum covers both the silicon dioxide 225 and also the photo resist 227. The platinum can be deposited by sputtering, evaporation, or electroplating, or by a number of standard semi-conductor deposition techniques.

As shown in FIG. 32C, following platinum deposition, the unwanted platinum is removed by immersing the wafer in a solvent that dissolves the photo resist. In this manner, any platinum is lifted off that is coating the photo resist, leaving the remaining platinum 229 in the desired areas in the shape of the resistor pattern.

As shown in FIG. 32D, the next step in this particular fabrication process is that the boss layer is deposited. The boss layer can be silicon nitride, silicon dioxide, or amorphous silicon or poly crystalline silicon among other material choices. The boss layer is typically deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, that is PECVD. Other alternative deposition processes are sputtering, evaporation, or a number of standard semiconductor deposition techniques. The layer would be patterned as provided in FIG. 32E. Referring to FIG. 32D, nitride layer 231 is provided.

In FIG. 32E, the nitride layer 233 is patterned to define boss 235 and the edges of the membrane 235. This construct may be patterned with photo lithography, followed by either chemical etching or plasma etching using standard semiconductor fabrication techniques. Preferably the construct is patterned with plasma etching, typically in a sulfur hexa-fluoride plasma. Optionally at this stage an additional platinum layer can be deposited on top of the boss layer 235 and then patterned with photolithography as shown above, but for simplicity is omitted from this figure.

As shown in FIG. 32F, a hole is patterned in the backside of the wafer where photo resist 237 would be applied to the backside of wafer 239. An opening 241 is etched through the wafer, preferably with plasma etching, and most preferably with deep reactive ion etching.

As shown in FIG. 32G, buried silicon dioxide 243 is removed in from the area of the membrane 245 that is exposed in the opening 247. The silicon dioxide 243 is removed with wet chemical etching, such as immersion in hydrofluoric acid or with plasma etching, completing the fabrication.

FIG. 33 provides a simplified schematic showing of one embodiment of an inventive manufacturing method which allows the production sensor structures in which the sensor element is positioned at least proximal to the neutral plane of the structure. In FIG. 33, Silicon wafer 341 is provided with membrane material 343 on one surface. Alternatively, membrane material 343 can consist of a silicone on insulator layer or a highly doped silicon layer. A typical fabrication step would be to deposit a sensor element layer 345 on top of the membrane material. In one embodiment, the sensor element layer 345 is a metal piezoresistor such as platinum. In alternative embodiment, sensor element layer 345 is a diffused silicon piezoresistor that would then be patterned into sensor elements 347. Simultaneously a second chip, wafer 349, would have cavity 351 photolithographically defined and etched. The two resulting wafers would then be joined together in intermediate structure 353. An access port 355 to the membrane would be etched into intermediate structure 353.

FIGS. 34A to H provide a flow diagram of a simplified fabrication sequence for making one on the present inventive devices. FIG. 34A shows a starting substrate with a wafer 1401, and membrane layer 1403. The etch-stop layer 1402 is optional. In a typical device, wafer 1401 then will be a silicon. Etched-up layer 1402 would typically be silicon dioxide, and membrane layer 1403 would also typically be silicon.

In FIG. 34B, offset layer 1404 is deposited on top of wafer 1401. In FIG. 34C offset layer 1404 is patterned to make openings or features 1405 in offset layer 1404. In FIG. 34D a strain-sensing material 1406 is deposited on top of the offset layer 1404. Strain-sensing material 1406 can be a piezoresistive metal such as platinum. Alternatively, strain-sensing material 1406 can be a diffused resister into a silicon layer. In FIG. 34E, a hole is etched through the back of chip 1407 to define the sensing membrane. FIGS. 34F, 34G and 34H provide planar views of the constructs illustrated in FIGS. 34A, 34B and 34C, respectively.

FIGS. 35A to 35F provide a flow diagram depiction of one embodiment of the present inventive fabrication method to make the inventive in-plane lever structure. In FIG. 35A, the fabrication begins with wafer 701. Wafer 701 may conveniently be a silicon wafer. Deposited on wafer 701 is etch-stop 702. Etch-stop 702 can be silicon dioxide. Etch-stop 702 is surfaced with membrane layer 703. Topping these layers is sacrificial layer 704. In FIG. 35B, sacrificial layer 704 is patterned to form a series of features 705.

The features 705 in the sacrificial layer 704 represent areas where mechanical structure of the inventive device will not touch the underlying membrane. The holes 706 in the sacrificial layer 704 are positioned in places where the lever layer 707 will be attached to the membrane. In FIG. 35C, lever layer 707 is deposited. Lever layer 707 may be constructed of polycrystalline silicon.

In FIG. 35D the intermediate chip is patterned into structures 708. Structures 708 represent the various lever arms and anchor pads described in the previous figure. In FIG. 35E, the sacrificial layer 704 is etched away. If, by example, silicon dioxide is used as the sacrificial layer 704, it can be etched away with hydrofluoric acid. In whatever manner sacrificial layer 704 is etched, freestanding lever structures 708 are produced.

FIG. 35F describes the last step in this embodiment of the present inventive fabrication method. In the backside of the chip hole 709 is etched to define the membrane area.

Systems

Also provided are systems that include the subject sensors. The systems include the subject sensor structures, as well as additional components that find use in particular pressure sensing applications. For example, in certain embodiments, the sensor system may include a processor for converting responses of the transducers of a sensor structure to measurements of pressure changes in the volume being monitored. In some embodiments, the system may include a multiplexed catheter coupled with the at least one conductive wire via a conductive liquid or gel. At least one additional pressure sensor may also be located apart from the sensor structure for providing measurement of a gauge pressure.

A particularly advantageous design for semi-permanent and permanent embodiments, i.e., implantable embodiments, of the inventive low-drift pressure sensor is the approach of using one common connection and a single wire running to each individual connection. This is a bus type configuration. In this design of the innovative low-drift pressure sensing, the opportunity is provided for a long string of pressure sensors implanted along the length of an implanted device, such as a cardiac catheter.

In contrast to the temporary configurations, a bus configuration provides a single wire or conductor which serves all of the low-drift sensor components for one side of the electrical connection. This bus configuration allows a small denier size, which can be pivotal in providing for instance, a cardiac timing device in an acceptable form for semi permanent or permanent uses. This bus configuration also plays on the strength of the small dimensions available for the low-drift pressure sensor components. This configuration is further described in Published PCT Application No. WO 2004/052182 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/734,490, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.

In the permanent implant embodiment of the present inventive low-drift pressure sensing device system, conductors are selected which have a relatively high fatigue life. The capacity to survive 400 million cycles prior to failure is the typical requirement for long term implant cardiac devices. For the construction of devices meeting these requirements, several design approaches are particularly suitable.

For permanent implant cardiac timing devices, the inventive low-drift pressure sensors may be incorporated into the satellite technology which has been developed by some of the present inventors. These applications provide multiplexing systems developed by some of the present inventors with which the present inventive low-drift pressure sensors very usefully employed.

In this prior work by some of the present inventors is described the use of pressure sensors to ascertain dynamic cardiac parameters for cardiac resynchronization. This system is described in part in currently pending patent applications U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/764,429 entitled “Method and Apparatus for Enhancing Cardiac Pacing”, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/764,127 entitled “Methods and Systems for Measuring Cardiac Parameters”, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/764,125 entitled “Method and System for Remote Hemodynamic Monitoring” all filed Jan. 23, 2004, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/734,490 entitled “Method and System for Monitoring and Treating Hemodynamic Parameters” filed Dec. 11, 2003. These applications are herein incorporated into the present application by reference in their entirety.

Some of the present inventors have developed Doppler, strain gauge, accelerometer, and other wall motion and other cardiac parameter sensing which can be employed synergistically with the present invention effectively in the comprehensive systems described above. Some of these are embodied in currently filed provisionals; One Wire Medical Monitoring and Treating Devices, U.S. Patent Application No. 60/607280 filed Sep. 2, 2004, and Implantable Doppler Tomography System U.S. Patent Application No. 60/617618 filed Oct. 8, 2004. These applications are incorporated in their entirety by reference herein.

In addition, the subject systems may include a processing element which is configured to run the system to provide the desired application, such as the various representative applications discussed below.

Methods

Also provided are methods of using the subject sensors structures and systems that include the same. In general, methods of detecting, i.e., sensing, pressure changes in a volume are provided. In practicing the subject methods, a sensor structure of the present invention is contacted with a volume to be monitored. Contact of the sensor and the volume is achieved using any convenient approach, where the particular approach will vary depending on the location of the volume. In certain embodiments where the volume is an internal location of a patient, such as a heart chamber, contact is achieved by implanting the sensor at a suitable location in contact with the volume.

Contact of the sensor and the volume is then maintained over the period of time that pressure changes are to be detected or monitored. While the sensor is contacted with the volume, a suitable voltage is applied to the input(s) of the strain transducer elements. The resultant output is then monitored, and the resultant output signal is used to detect changes in pressure of the volume, as is known in the art. Because the subject sensors are low drift sensors, an implanted sensor can be employed to accurately monitor pressure changes in a volume for extended periods of time without recalibration following implantation, e.g., for periods of at least about 1 day, such as at least about 1 week, including at least about 1 month or longer, such as at least about 6 months, at least about 1 year, at least about 5 years, etc.

The subject methods and devices find use in any of a number of different contexts. In one embodiment, for example, a sensor device may be implanted in a body chamber to measure and monitor pressure therein. For example, a sensor (or sensors) may be implanted in one or more heart walls to monitor pressure changes in one or more heart chambers. Deflections in a diaphragm of a sensor device may be converted to pressure measurements which may be used, for example, by a physician to help guide treatment decisions. Such data may also be used to automatically adjust a pressure-responsive pacemaker implanted in a patient. Applications in which the subject devices and methods find use are further described in: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/764,429 entitled “Method and Apparatus for Enhancing Cardiac Pacing”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/764,127 entitled “Methods and Systems for Measuring Cardiac Parameters”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/764,125 entitled “Method and System for Remote Hemodynamic Monitoring”; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/734,490 entitled “Method and System for Monitoring and Treating Hemodynamic Parameters”; the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference.

As indicated above, the present invention provides methods, apparatuses and systems for employing low drift, permanent implanted pressure sensors for optimizing medical treatment, such as for cardiac resynchronization intervention, arrhythmia management, ischemia detection, coronary artery disease management, and heart failure management, among other types of applications. These representative applications are now reviewed in greater detail below.

There are special clinical advantages for the inventive permanent internal pressure sensors capacity to provide remote, real time internal pressure data. For instance, by means of the inventive devices, pressure sensor data can be provided directly to the physician's office for monitoring patient progress, allowing the physician to effectively modify pharmaceutical intervention without requiring patient travel. This application of the present invention is particularly advantageous for patients in remote areas.

Additionally, using the present inventive implantable pressure sensor devices, physicians are able to monitor patients during normal daily activities. This capacity of the inventive implantable pressure sensors encourages heart failure patients to resume health promoting increases in physical exertion. In some cases, patients will, for the first time, be able to undertake a program of increasingly active exercise that increases the quality of their lives and provides overall clinical improvement.

The inventive implantable pressure sensors can be effectively employed by specialists, such as congestive heart failure cardiologists, to address a patient's medication, diet and exercise regimen in response to real time physiologic data such as cardiac output which may be determined from implantable pressure sensor readings.

The totally implantable system embodiment of the present invention, which may include intracardiac leads and other structures utilizing pressure sensors, can be further modified in another embodiment of the present invention to optimize clinical improvements.

A representative application for the inventive permanently implantable pressure sensors within the human body, with particular focus on the hemo-dynamics system, is implantation in one or more of the four chambers of the heart. In such locations pressure sensors give a global indicator of myocardial performance. Such a global indicator essentially integrates all the various flows as well as contractility contributions of separate myocardial wall segments. These indicators further provide performance indicators of the various heart valves in combination. This global assessment is a very valuable tool in assessing and treating heart failure.

Ratio-metric analysis of data from the present implantable pressure sensor devices can be used to derive clinically important parameters, such as ischemic burden of a patient's heart, cardiac output, and other valuable physiologic information. Ratio-metric analysis is the comparison of a pressure signal in one or more chambers with other such signals, or indeed other more local signals. Ratio-metric analysis has been described previously in the context cardiac wall motion, local strain and other factors. This analysis as applied to the present invention will be well understood by the skilled artisan.

Other applications for pressure sensors permanently implanted within the human cardio vascular system include providing measurements of coronary artery disease progression. This application is accomplished by implanting a plurality of sensors along the distribution of, for example, a coronary artery. The appropriate placement of the inventive sensor can also be accomplished by incorporating the inventive micro pressure sensors within the proximal and distal end of a coronary stent. The pressure gradient which is provided by the inventive device is used to potentially derive flow data and also the resistive resistance to flow between the two pressure sensors. The change in this resistance over time can be used as an indicator of, for example, re-stenosis or progression of coronary artery disease that is arteriosclerosis.

Artificial heart valve analysis using the inventive implantable pressure sensors is related to coronary artery disease assessment. Artificial heart valve analysis can be accomplished with pressure sensor placement within the chambers of the heart proximal and distal. This placement would be on the inter-cardiac area, or within each chamber heart separated by either a natural or an artificial heart valve. In the latter case, the sensors are incorporated into the artificial heart valve itself. In the former case, the sensors could be implanted through less invasive means, or at the time of a reparative surgery, such as angioplasty. The inventive implantable pressure sensors so positioned provide a real time indication of the pressure gradient across a valve. This data can be used to determine the degree of leakiness or stenosis of said valve. Such sensors also provide information on how leakiness or stenosis of the valve is progressing over time.

When combined with other sensors, additional information can be derived from the present implantable pressure sensors. The additional sensors, such as those previously described, would be located within chambers assessing the degree to which pressure is being generated. By example, the chambers selected can be the left ventricle. As compared to the inter-cavity pressures in the left ventricle, that gradient across the mitral valve and the wall strain across one or more segments of the heart provides a very comprehensive picture of how a heart is performing. The left ventricular performance and the various contributions of contractility, synchrony vs. dissynchrony and mitral regurgitation, for example, can be quantitatively assessed.

A drawback in today's management methods is that a multiparametric analysis is often problematic. Clinically, in many cases decisions regarding valvular replacement, that is surgical valvular replacement, are made by the clinician on a less objective basis than would be desirable. The present invention thus makes clinically available multiparametric analysis information, providing for better informed case decisions.

Another application for the inventive permanently implantable pressure sensor is in an essentially fully implantable Swan Ganz, or pulmonary artery catheter. In this implementation the well understood pulmonary artery catheter would be employed. A pulmonary artery catheter is typically introduced from a jugular or subclavian venous orientation passing through the right atrium, right ventricle, right ventricular outflow track and into the pulmonary circulation. Such catheters when containing the inventive implantable pressure sensors provide the clinician with both right atrial and right ventricular pressures.

Pulmonary artery pressure can also be assessed using the inventive implantable pressure sensors. This can be accomplished when the catheter is wedged by blowing up and inflating a balloon. That approach provides a pressure through an essentially a static column of fluid to the left atrium. A pulmonary capillary wedge pressure typically correlates very well to the left atrial pressure. The reading is obtained from the right side of the heart. Furthermore, by injecting heat indicator dye or cold fluid and integrating a signal in a appropriate sensor, the distal tip of the pulmonary catheter, e.g., Swan Ganz catheter, the clinician is able to determine cardiac output on a reasonably reliable basis.

With the inventive micro pressure sensors a permanently implantable or temporarily implantable pulmonary artery catheter can be assembled. With this device, the pressure sensors may be left in the pulmonary artery in a stent like structure. Alternatively, the pressure sensors are deployed along a catheter structure passing through the heart but terminating in a subcutaneous coil. This configuration provides for the data to be communicated to the outside world.

The inventive devices being capable of transmitting information to remote sites when implanted in the patient enables congestive heart failure patients a new level of freedom and safety. For example, with such a device, a patient is able to move to a regular bed and out of ICU when medications are being titrated. Previously, invasive approaches were required to provided the extremely detailed hemo-dynamic monitoring of cardiac performance needed for such titrations.

Currently in such a situation, the temporary implantable Swan Ganz catheter is typically removed after several days, at which point the patient moves home. However, by fully implanting the inventive system into a permanently implantable form, the patient is no longer tethered to the various equipment that needs to be in the intensive care unit.

Furthermore, the permanently implanted device eliminates a direct route for infectious agents to enter the central circulation of the patient. This reduces the not insignificant risk of sepsis and other infections, which is significant in these patients who typically have impaired cardiac function and reduced cardiac output. For these and other reasons, such patients are more vulnerable to infection.

Another application for the subject invention is using pressure sensors deployed within a triple A stent graft. This is the case where an abdominal aortic aneurism is repaired by an endovascular graft. Typically, the endovascular graft is introduced from the femoral approach in a minimally invasive manner. The present implantable pressures sensors are advantageous for detecting any issues with graft sealing. The necessary information can be obtained by pressure sensors on the outside of the stent graft in the area of the aneurism in order to provide early detection of leaks.

An advantage of the inventive implantable pressure sensors in this case is that they eliminate or reduce the need for routine follow up CT scans. Such scans are currently required to follow progression of the aneurism after implantation of the endovascular stent graft. Clinically, typically issues in such cases are migration of the stent graft over time and loss of sealing.

Another new application provided by the inventive implantable pressure sensors uses a similar approach to the stent graft described above. In this case, a micro stent graft is provided within a neurovascular aneurism. Such aneurysms are, for instance, one closed off through a mircoinvasive or minimally invasive approach via catheters, such as a Guglielmi Detachable Coil (GDC). This arrangement allows the clinician to continue monitoring the pressure profile of that procedure, or for the period following the procedure.

In another application, the inventive permanent pressure sensors are implanted in a peripheral artery or a central artery for purposes of determining the pulse pressure. The pulse pressure is used to correlate the appropriate calibration to the cardiac output of the patient. This embodiment of the inventive device can be used to improve resynchronization of a dissynchronous heart in the case of cardiac re synchronization therapy or management of congestive heart failure patients by pharmacologic means.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy is an important new medical intervention for patients suffering from congestive heart failure. In congestive heart failure, symptoms develop due to the inability of the heart to function sufficiently well as a mechanical pump to supply the body's physiologic needs. Congestive heart failure is characterized by gradual decline in cardiac function punctuated by severe exacerbations leading eventually to death. It is estimated that over five million patients in the United States suffer from this malady.

The aim of resynchronization pacing is to induce the interventricular septum and the left ventricular free wall to contract at approximately the same time. Resynchronization therapy seeks to provide a contraction time sequence which will most effectively produce maximal cardiac output with minimal total energy expenditure by the heart. Prior to the present invention, there were no useful clinically available means of determining optimal CRT settings on a substantially automatic or a real-time, machine readable basis.

The optimal timing is calculated by reference to hemodynamic parameters such as dP dt, the first derivative of the pressure waveform in the left ventricle. The dP dt parameter is a well-documented proxy for left ventricular contractility. In this manner, synchrony is assessed between various parameters such as a dP dt, the first derivative of the pressure curve correlated to maximal relative velocity during systole towards the center of the ventricle. Also provided is the actual maximum position of displacement on a net basis of the monitored wall segments towards the center. The present inventive implantable pressure sensors allow real time analysis of the efficacy of a particular resynchronization electrode placement or pacing timing, as well as providing immediate, real time hemodynamic parameters.

The clinically established data point for CRT therapy is pressure-pressure loops. In the general case it is thought that in the healthy heart, both ventricles contract at the same time. In that case, peak pressures are achieved in both ventricles simultaneously. This test has been employed as a measure of potential synchrony.

In dissynchronous hearts, the pressure peak typically occurs at different times, suggesting that the muscle is contracting at different times. This difference in contraction can now be directly measured with the present inventive implantable pressure sensor devices. Comparison to RV and/or LV pressures will add global data to other current methods for assessing heart contraction synchrony.

Additional clinical cardiology uses for the inventive implantable pressure sensors include applications as ischemia detectors. It is well understood that, before biochemical or electrical markers of cardiac ischemia present themselves, wall motion is first affected with the ischemic region showing increased stiffness and decreased contraction, resulting in changed pressure profiles, whether absolute or relative between heart chambers. Such changes as they effect internal cardiac pressures can be readily detected by the implantable pressure sensor system currently invented.

The present invention can establish a baseline pressure reading for patients at risk for ischemia. This reading provides a profile of normal/beginning heart pressure in a particular patient. The clinician then sets a pressure standard, variation beyond which an alert would be provided.

The inventive implantable pressure sensors can be employed as arrhythmia detectors. Currently implantable defibrillator systems are challenged by differentiating between a variety of benign and malignant arrhythmias relying as they do primarily on electrical means of discrimination. Real time dynamic sensing of changed internal cardiac pressures using the present inventive implantable pressure sensors marks a significant advantage in detecting arrhythmias.

Using the implantable pressure sensor devices of the present invention, the timing and displacement of the contraction from any heart chamber can be assessed. In this way, the maximum contraction can be stimulated to occur at the time most efficient from the standpoint of producing the greatest hemodynamic output for the least amount of effort.

Other derived hemodynamic parameters will be recognized by the artisan. In an additional embodiment of the present invention, additional sensors deployed along other areas of the heart provide data that provide complete characterization of the function of the ventricle or ventricles. This wealth of real time information is continuously available to the clinician on a permanent implantable basis. This ongoing pressure sensor data can also be provided to the pacing system controller directly. This allows automated optimization of pacing timing to that which will prove most clinically beneficial.

Kits

As summarized above, also provided are kits and systems for use in practicing the subject methods. The kits and systems at least include the subject sensors and/or systems that include the same, as described above. The kits and systems may also include a number of optional components that find use with the subject sensors, including but not limited to, implantation devices, data analysis elements, processing algorithms recorded on suitable media, etc.

In certain embodiments of the subject kits, the kits will further include instructions for using the subject devices or elements for obtaining the same (e.g., a website URL directing the user to a webpage which provides the instructions), where these instructions are typically printed on a substrate, which substrate may be one or more of: a package insert, the packaging, reagent containers and the like. In the subject kits, the one or more components are present in the same or different containers, as may be convenient or desirable.

It is evident from the above discussion and results that the subject invention provides for improved pressure sensor devices that are particularly suited for use in implant applications. Advantages of the subject sensors include low drift and/or high sensitivity. As such, the subject invention represents a significant contribution to the art.

While the present invention has been described with reference to the specific embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process step or steps, to the objective, spirit and scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the claims appended hereto. 

1. An implantable pressure sensor structure comprising: a substrate formed with an opening; a compliant member mounted on said substrate and spanning said opening in a manner such that said compliant member has first and second opposing exposed surfaces; and at least first and second strain transducers positioned on the same surface or opposing surfaces of said compliant member so that their outputs respond oppositely to deflection of said compliant member resulting from differential pressure across said complaint member but respond similarly to deformation of said substrate; wherein said first and second strain transducers comprise piezoresistors fabricated from a stable gauge material and covered by a passivating layer; and wherein said pressure sensor structure is a low-drift pressure sensor structure.
 2. The structure according to claim 1, wherein said structure further comprises an integrated circuit.
 3. The structure according to claim 1, wherein said substrate comprises an opening and said compliant member spans said opening.
 4. The structure according to claim 1, wherein said structure exhibits a drift of no more than about 1 mmHg/year.
 5. The structure according to claim 1, wherein said structure exhibits little or no drift over a period of from about 1 to about 40 years.
 6. The structure according to claim 1, wherein said structure has a length along an edge of no more than about 500 μm and width of nor more than about 100 μm.
 7. The structure according to claim 1, wherein said structure has a sensitivity sufficient to measure pressure changes of about ±1 mmHg.
 8. The structure according to claim 1, wherein said stable gauge material comprises platinum.
 9. The structure according to claim 8, wherein said stable gauge material is pure platinum.
 10. The structure according to claim 8, wherein said stable gauge material is a platinum alloy.
 11. The structure according to claim 1, wherein said passivating layer has a thickness ranging from about 50 nm to about 100 nm.
 12. The structure according to claim 1, wherein said passivating layer comprises silicon nitride.
 13. The structure according to claim 1, wherein said compliant member comprises single crystal silicon.
 14. The structure according to claim 1, wherein said first and second strain transducers are positioned on the same surface of said compliant member.
 15. The structure according to claim 14, wherein said first and second strain transducers are positioned symmetrically on said same surface on opposite sides of a line of symmetry.
 16. The structure according to claim 15, wherein said first and second strain transducers are positioned adjacent to each other on a surface of said compliant member on one side of a line of symmetry.
 17. The structure according to claim 1, wherein said first and second transducers are positioned on opposing surfaces of said compliant member.
 18. The structure according to claim 17, wherein said structure further comprises third and fourth strain transducers on opposing surfaces of said compliant member.
 19. The structure according to claim 18, wherein said third and fourth strain transducers are piezoresistors.
 20. The structure according to claim 17, wherein said first and second strain transducers are directly opposed to each other.
 21. The structure according to claim 1, wherein said structure further comprises a boss member on at least one surface of said compliant member.
 22. The structure according to claim 1, wherein said structure further comprises first and second boss members on opposing surfaces of said compliant member.
 23. The structure according to claim 18, wherein said structure further comprises third and fourth strain transducers on opposing surfaces of said compliant member.
 24. The structure according to claim 23, wherein said structure further comprises first and second boss members on opposing surfaces of said compliant member.
 25. The structure according to claim 1, wherein said compliant member is positioned at least proximal to said structure's neutral plane.
 26. The structure according to claim 25, wherein said structure comprises an upper rim member positioned on a top surface of said compliant member.
 27. The structure according to claim 25, wherein said second exposed surface bounds an enclosed volume in said substrate.
 28. The structure according to claim 25, wherein said second exposed surface bounds an open volume in said substrate.
 29. The structure according to claim 1, wherein said at least one strain transducer is separated from said surface of said compliant member by a spacer.
 30. The structure according to claim 29, wherein said spacer separates said sensor from said compliant member by a distance ranging from about from about 1 to about 1,000 μm.
 31. The structure according to claim 29, wherein said structure comprises two or more transducers each separated from said surface by a spacer.
 32. A system comprising: a conductive member; and a physiological pressure sensor operatively coupled to said conductive member, wherein said physiological pressure sensor comprises a pressure sensor structure according to claim
 1. 33. The system according to claim 32, wherein said system comprises a plurality of said physiological pressure sensors operatively coupled to said conductive member.
 34. The system according to claim 32, wherein said system further comprises an energy source coupled to said conductive member.
 35. The system according to claim 32, wherein said system further comprises a processing element for determining pressure changes in a volume in response to output signals from said transducer.
 36. The system according to claim 32, wherein said system is configured to be implanted into a patient.
 37. The system according to claim 36, wherein said system is configured so that said sensor is positioned on a heart wall upon implantation into a patient.
 38. A method for fabricating a pressure-sensor structure, said method comprising: positioning a layer of a compliant material on a surface of a first substrate; and producing at least one strain transducer on a first surface of said compliant material opposite said substrate to produce a pressure-sensor structure according to claim 1; wherein said pressure sensor structure is a low-drift pressure sensor.
 39. The method according to claim 38, wherein said method is a microfabrication method.
 40. The method according to claim 39, wherein said method comprises a photolithographic method.
 41. The method according to claim 38, wherein said method further comprises producing a boss member on said first surface of said compliant layer.
 42. The method according to claim 38, wherein said method further comprises coupling said structure to a conductive member.
 43. A method for detecting a pressure change in a volume, said method comprising: contacting a pressure sensor structure according to claim 1 with said volume; obtaining an output signal from said pressure sensor; and using said output signal to detect a pressure change in said volume.
 44. The method according to claim 43, wherein said volume is present in a subject.
 45. The method according to claim 44, wherein said subject is a human.
 46. The method according to claim 45, wherein said method comprises implanting said pressure sensor structure in said human.
 47. The method according to claim 44, wherein said volume is a cardiovascular volume.
 48. The method according to claim 47, wherein said cardiovascular volume is a heart chamber.
 49. The method according to claim 47, wherein said cardiovascular volume is in an artery.
 50. The method according to claim 44, wherein said method is a method of monitoring a condition in a subject.
 51. The method according to claim 50, wherein said method comprises monitoring said condition remotely.
 52. The method according to claim 50, wherein said condition is a cardiovascular condition.
 53. The method according to claim 44, wherein said method is employed in a method of one of: a) treating a subject for heart failure; b) performing cardiac resynchronization in a subject; c) managing arrhythmia in a subject; d) detecting ischemia in a subject; e) treating a subject for coronary artery disease; f) monitoring heart valve function in a subject; and g) monitoring graft function in a subject. 